Why is the Block share price charging 10% higher on Thursday?

What's going on with the digital payments company's shares today?

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Key points

  • Block shares have skyrocketed more than 10% in lunchtime trade
  • The company's US listing lifted 11.35% on the New York Stock Exchange overnight
  • PayPal earnings appeared to drive optimism in the US, with Aussie technology shares following a similar pattern 

The Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price is soaring today, following in the footsteps of its US listing.

The ASX buy now pay later (BNPL) company's share price is up 10.18%, trading at $127.57 at the time of writing. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently 0.28% higher.

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

Why is the Block share price rising?

Block is not the only BNPL company in the green today. The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) share price is up 6.79%, while Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) shares are 7.34% higher.

Block's ASX listing appears to be following a similar path to the company's US listing on Wednesday. Block Inc (NYSE: SQ) shares leapt 11.35% on the New York Stock Exchange overnight.

Financial and technology shares lifted after PayPal's results improved optimism, Reuters reported. The NASDAQ Composite Index jumped 2.59%, while the S&P 500 Index gained 1.56%.

Wedbush Securities managing director Sahak Manuelian said in comments cited by the publication:

We're going through Q2 earnings and, by and large, from the tech complex to consumer discretionary and industrials, we're seeing a lot of better-than-feared prints, and that's just good enough right now.

PayPal Holding Inc (NASDAQ: PYPL) reported net revenue lifted 9% year on year to $6.8 billion. The company also confirmed Elliott Investment Management has a $2 billion stake in the company. PayPal shares lifted 9% on the back of the results.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is 2.85% higher so far today.

Block is due to report its financial results on 4 August, US time.

Block share price snapshot

The Block share price has fallen 28% year to date, however, it has soared 44% in just the past month.

For perspective, the benchmark ASX 200 Index has shed 6% in 2022 so far.

Block has a market capitalisation of about $4.8 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., PayPal Holdings, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended PayPal Holdings. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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