ASX 200 midday update: Megaport rockets, Allkem's update, tech shares rally

The ASX 200 is having a stellar day on Wednesday…

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

At lunch on Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a very strong gain. The benchmark index is currently up 1.75% to 6,765.5 points.

Here's what is happening on the ASX 200 today:

Two men look excited on the trading floor as they hold telephones to their ears and one points upwards.

Image source: Getty Images

Megaport shares jump

The Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price is rocketing higher on Wednesday. As well as getting a boost from a rebound in the tech sector, the release of a strong quarterly update has got investors excited. Megaport reported a 13% increase in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) to $10.7 million and its first quarterly operating profit of $1 million.

Allkem's quarterly update

The Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) share price is underperforming today after the lithium miner's quarterly update disappointed. Although Allkem reported record quarters for its Mt Cattlin and Olaroz operations, its guidance for FY 2023 appears to have underwhelmed. Management is forecast a sizeable production decline from its Mt Cattlin operation next year.

Tech shares storm higher

The tech sector has been the place to be on the Australian share market on Wednesday. Investors have been piling into the sector following a very strong night of trade on the tech-focused NASDAQ index. Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) and Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) shares have been among the best performers and are helping to drive the S&P ASX All Technology index 4.4% higher at the time of writing.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Wednesday has been the Megaport share price with a 19% gain. This follows the release of the network as a service provider's quarterly update. Going the other way, there are only a handful of shares in the red. One of those is the Pendal Group Ltd (ASX: PDL) share price, which is down 2.5%. This may be due to profit taking after a solid gain yesterday amid takeover speculation.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Allkem Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc., MEGAPORT FPO, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc. and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ASX Share Market News

A little girl has a huge smile and a giant lollipop.
Broker Notes

6 ASX shares tipped by brokers to rise 34% to 87%

Post-earnings season, brokers have updated their 12-month price targets on scores of stocks.

Read more »

Happy businessman fist pumping while looking at a tablet.
Broker Notes

2 ASX shares tipped to return 19% to 47%

Recent sell-offs have caught Morgans’ attention, with the broker now rating both shares as buys.

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane looking through a window and working on a laptop.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Dicker Data, Polynovo, Flight Centre shares

Here's what the experts think.

Read more »

Two scientists analysing results on a computer screen.
Healthcare Shares

3 ASX healthcare shares to buy with 25% to 100% upside as sector rebound races higher

After slumping to a 9-year low on 3 June, healthcare shares have rallied by an extraordinary 42%.

Read more »

Man looking at graph decreasing and feeling disappointment.
ASX Share Market News

The ASX 200 has dropped to a 3-day low. Here's what's happening

The market is back below 9,000 points as pressure builds.

Read more »

A baby's eyes open wide in surprise as it sucks on a milk bottle.
Broker Notes

How high could Bubs Australia shares go, according to Bell Potter?

A key approval is expected to boost the Bubs share price.

Read more »

a woman in a business suit looks wide eyed and interested as she holds a tin can with string to hear ear listening to some news.
Broker Notes

UBS names its 10 top ASX picks for the next 3-6 months

Here are the 10 ASX shares UBS thinks could outperform.

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with a pained expression on his face and a laptop in front of him.
Share Fallers

What are the most shorted ASX shares on the market right now?

Two names, two opposite bear cases.

Read more »