Why is the Block share price storming 5% higher today?

Block shares are surging today. What's going on?

| More on:
Happy man wearing a blue shirt and glasses holding a card and using buy now pay later services to purchase a product on his office computer

Image source: Getty Images

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

  • Block shares are leaping nearly 5% on the ASX today 
  • This follows the company's US listing jumping 4.50% 
  • Multiple BNPL shares surged on the ASX today  

The Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price is soaring today amid a positive day for buy now pay later (BNPL) shares.

The company's shares are currently swapping hands at $100.63, a 4.71% gain. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is rising 1.61% at the time of writing.

Let's take a look at why the Block share price is rising today?

Why is the Block share price rising?

Block shares are leaping following a strong night for the company's US listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

Block Inc (NYSE: SQ) leapt 4.5% in the USA on Tuesday and jumped a further 1.5% in after hours trade.

This follows a stellar night for technology and financial shares in the USA. The S&P 500 Index leapt 2.76%, while the tech heavy NASDAQ-100 Index rose 3.13%.

This rise came despite an analyst at Macquarie shifting its rating on Block's US listing to neutral with a $64 price target, according to my Foolish colleagues in the US. Susquehanna analyst Jamie Friedman also slashed the price target to $100 per share from $160, however, he retained a buy recommendation on the Block share price.

Despite these price downgrades, it appears investors have bought up Block shares amid positive sentiment in the wider market.

Block is not the only BNPL company in the green today. Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares are leaping 8.48%, while Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) shares are rising 4.88%.

Block completed its takeover of Afterpay on the first day of February and listed on the ASX as SQ2.

Block share price snapshot

The Block share price has surged 24% in the past month. However, it has lost nearly 43% in the year to date.

For perspective, the benchmark ASX 200 Index has lost 3% in the past year.

Block has a market capitalisation of about $3.8 billion based on the current share price.

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

More on BNPL shares

BNPL written on a smartphone.
BNPL shares

3 reasons why Zip shares are a screaming buy right now

The company's share price has been pretty volatile this year.

Read more »

A young woman smiles as she rides a zip line high above the trees.
BNPL shares

Why did Zip shares rebound 19% this week?

FY26 has been volatile for this ASX BNPL stock.

Read more »

Happy woman in purple clothes looking at asx share price on mobile phone
BNPL shares

Zip share price plunges 30% in a month but fundie tips 'meaningful upside' ahead

After 110% share price growth in FY25, Zip shares have failed to maintain the momentum in FY26.

Read more »

People sit in rollercoaster seats with expressions of fear, terror and exhilaration as it goes into a steep downward descent representing the Novonix share price in FY22
BNPL shares

$10,000 invested in Zip shares in January is now worth…

Zip shares have had a rollercoaster of a ride over the past 12 months.

Read more »

Stock market crash concept of young man screaming at laptop on the sofa.
BNPL shares

Why is the Block share price crashing 14% on Friday?

Investors are punishing Block shares on Friday. But why?

Read more »

a young woman holds her hand to her ear and leans sideways as if to listen to something that's surprising her as her eyes and her mouth are wide open.
Financial Shares

Why are Zip shares down 23% in a month, and what was revealed at the AGM today?

The buy now, pay later operator conducted its annual general meeting on Thursday.

Read more »

Upset woman with her hand on her forehead, holding a credit card.
BNPL shares

Why did Zip shares tumble 12% in October?

After surging more than 300% since April, why did Zip shares tumble in October?

Read more »

A young boy sits on his father's shoulders as they flex their muscles at sunrise on a beach
Broker Notes

Macquarie initiates coverage of Zip shares with outperform rating and predicts 17% upside

Is it time to buy now on these BNPL shares?

Read more »