Why is the Rio Tinto share price having such a lousy start to the week?

Here's what's dragging Rio Tinto shares lower 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
  • Rio Tinto shares tumble 2.25% to $96.44 in late afternoon trade
  • The company's shares are losing ground amid a broader sell-off on the ASX today
  • US Fed Reserve chair Jerome Powell hinted last week about a more aggressive rate hike

The Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price is off to a disappointing start to the week.

This comes despite the company not releasing any new announcements to the ASX.

At the time of writing, the mining giant's shares are slipping 2.25% to $96.44.

A man is down on his haunches, dragging something along with a rope.

Image source: Getty Images

What's dragging Rio Tinto shares lower?

There are a couple of reasons why the Rio Tinto share price is trading in negative territory today.

First and foremost, investors are heading for the hills following a strong sell-off on Wall Street late last week.

The market had kept a close watch at the United States Federal Reserve's annual Jackson Hole economic symposium on Friday.

However, at the event, the central bank's chair Jerome Powell made hawkish comments about keeping inflation under control. He reiterated the goal to bring down inflation levels to 2% compared to the 8.5% recorded last month.

This means that a 0.75% rate hike could be on the cards for September. And the market appears to be pricing this in.

In addition, the release of Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)'s results seems to have dampened sentiment for Rio Tinto.

While the iron ore miner recorded an outstanding operational performance, key financial metrics fell by double digits.

Currently, Fortescue shares are down 4.4% to $19.

And lastly, iron ore futures are falling 4.4% to US$101.15 per tonne amid a downbeat outlook on the steel-making ingredient.

Rio Tinto share price summary

Since the beginning of the year, the Rio Tinto share price has moved in circles to register a loss of 3.68%.

For the moment, its shares are in a sideways channel around the psychological $100 mark.

Based on today's price, Rio Tinto presides a market capitalisation of approximately $36.6 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

An investor looks happy holding a finger to his computer screen while holding a coffee cup in a home office scenario.
Resources Shares

Alcoa posts Q1 2026 result

Alcoa Q1 2026 results show higher profits and a positive outlook, led by strong aluminium pricing and operational progress.

Read more »

Smiling miner.
Resources Shares

Can BHP shares smash through the $60 record barrier in April?

The miner needs strong commodities, steady growth, and China demand to hit new highs.

Read more »

Miner holding a silver nugget.
Resources Shares

Up 82% in 12 months, ASX All Ords silver share jumping today on big US news

The ASX miner is targeting high-grade silver deposits in California.

Read more »

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

This ASX critical minerals company says its mining project could be the world's largest

This project in Malawi could be a game changer in the critical minerals space.

Read more »

Two young African mine workers wearing protective wear are discussing coal quality while on site at a coal mine.
Resources Shares

Whitehaven Coal announces US$900m notes issue and debt refinancing

Whitehaven Coal issued US$900 million in new notes to refinance debt, aiming for lower interest costs and a longer repayment…

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Resources Shares

PLS Group prices US$600m in senior notes for growth and refinancing

PLS Group announced a US$600m notes issue to fund debt refinancing and general purposes, boosting flexibility for its lithium operations.

Read more »

gold, gold miner, gold discovery, gold nugget, gold price,
Resources Shares

Genesis Minerals posts March 2026 quarterly results

Genesis Minerals’ March 2026 quarter saw cash surge to $600 million, strong gold output, and key growth projects advancing.

Read more »

A man smiles as he holds bank notes in front of a laptop.
Resources Shares

New Hope launches $300m convertible notes offer and buyback

New Hope is refinancing $300m of convertible notes, targeting lower costs and extended debt maturity through a new offering.

Read more »