Why BHP and other ASX mining shares are making strides on Friday

The BHP share price is recovering lost ground today.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • BHP shares are lifting almost 2% in mid-afternoon trade on Friday
  • The S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index is climbing more than 2%, making it the best-performing index on the ASX
  • Iron ore prices have stabilised for now to trade at US$114.50 per tonne

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is rebounding on Friday after hitting a year-to-date low earlier this week.

At the time of writing, shares in the world's largest miner are up 1.93% to $39.69.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is 0.52% higher to 6,682.7 points.

Let's take a look at what's causing the miner's shares to race past the benchmark ASX 200 index.

Three miners wearing hard hats and high vis vests take a break on site at a mine as the Fortescue share price drops in FY22

Image source: Getty Images

What's driving BHP forward?

There could be a couple of reasons why the BHP share price is heading north today despite no company announcements.

Firstly, the S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index (ASX: XJR) is the best performing index across the ASX today with a 2.27% gain.

This has led shares in Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) to lift 1.47% and 1.40%, respectively.

The strong turnaround for the benchmark index of Australian resource companies comes amid a 17% fall since 8 June.

Recently, bearish sentiment impacted global markets following investor concerns about a looming recession on the back of China's COVID-19 crisis.

However, those worries have been alleviated for now as a number of blue-chip shares trade in bargain territory.

In addition, the price for iron ore appears to have stabilised after cooling down from its year-to-date highs of US$150.

Currently, the steel-making ingredient is fetching US$114.50 per tonne.

As reported by Trading Economics, China's portside inventories increased last week after declining for the previous two months.

Both Australia and Brazil ramped up their iron ore shipments to the Asian powerhouse.

Subsequently, China's blast furnaces are likely to operate close to full capacity as iron ore supply flows in.

BHP share price snapshot

Since the beginning of 2022, the BHP share price has struggled to take off amid a challenging economic environment.

The mining giant's shares are up 7% year-to-date, but down 10% in the past 12 months.

Based on today's price, BHP has a market capitalisation of $191.15 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Resources Shares

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Resources Shares

2 ASX 200 mining shares this fund manager is backing for long-term growth

Blackwattle is invested in the ASX 200's largest diversified miner and its biggest lithium producer.

Read more »

Two mining workers on a laptop at a mine site.
Resources Shares

Buying ASX 200 mining shares? Here's how Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP stacked up in March

Buying Rio Tinto, Fortescue, or BHP shares? Here’s how the ASX mining stocks performed in March’s sinking market.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Why are shares in this ASX copper developer surging more than 45%?

A deal for a major funding package has been struck.

Read more »

Woman with gold nuggets on her hand.
Resources Shares

Northern Star Resources posts Q3 gold sales, on track for FY26

Northern Star Resources sold 381,000 ounces of gold in Q3 FY26, keeping its production guidance in sight.

Read more »

A group of people in suits and hard hats celebrate the rising share price with champagne.
Resources Shares

$7,500 invested in Rio Tinto shares 10 days ago is now worth…

The miner's shares crashed 15% in the first three weeks of March.

Read more »

An executive stands looking out a glass window over the city.
Resources Shares

Why this ASX 200 stock just jumped 5% on Wednesday

Perenti shares are up 5% after naming a new Chief Executive.

Read more »

Smiling miner.
Resources Shares

3 reasons why the Rio Tinto share price could be a buy

Let’s unearth why Rio Tinto could be an opportunity worth digging into.

Read more »

Two workers working with a large copper coil in a factory.
Resources Shares

Up more than 90% over the past year, analysts say this ASX copper stock can keep going

Canaccord Genuity says this is a copper stock to watch.

Read more »