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

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

| 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
  • 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?

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

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

Happy woman shopping online.
BNPL shares

Buying Zip shares? Here's why the ASX BNPL stock is rocketing higher today

Zip shares are smashing the benchmark on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

A young man sitting at an outside table uses a card to pay for his online shopping.
BNPL shares

Down 55%: Should I buy Zip shares?

This company is no longer just a BNPL growth story.

Read more »

an exhausted shopper slumps on an outdoor seat with various coloured shopping bags either side of her.
Share Market News

What on earth's going on with Zip shares?

The volatility has been relentless and isn't ending anytime soon.

Read more »

A young woman looks happily at her phone in one hand with a selection of retail shopping bags in her other hand.
BNPL shares

Why Afterpay owner Block shares are looking undervalued

A top fundie expects strong growth from Block shares.

Read more »

A boy with sad eyes pulls the zip over his mouth and nose while doing up a large jacket where the collar stands up at head height.
BNPL shares

Zip shares sink after court loss. Is this ASX comeback stock in trouble?

Zip shares tumble after losing a major trade mark case.

Read more »

A young woman looks happily at her phone in one hand with a selection of retail shopping bags in her other hand.
BNPL shares

Why are Zip shares storming higher on Thursday?

Investors are piling into Zip shares today. But why?

Read more »

A young woman with her mouth open and her hands out showing surprise and delight as uranium share prices skyrocket
BNPL shares

Why Zip shares rocketed 55% in April (and could keep rising)

It was a good month for owners of this growing company.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face.
Share Market News

Prediction: Zip shares could fly another 121% higher

Find out why analysts think the shares can rally even higher.

Read more »