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

A female miner wearing a high vis vest and hard hard smiles and holds a clipboard while inspecting a mine site with a colleague.
Resources Shares

Develop Global awards $275 million Yitirrti plant contract as growth plans advance

Yitirrti production is on track for mid-2028.

Read more »

Gold nugget in a miner's hand amid black rocks.
Resources Shares

Meeka Metals completes Mt Holland gold acquisition

Meeka Metals has finalised the acquisition of new gold tenements at Mt Holland, aiming to unlock further resource growth and…

Read more »

A mining worker wearing a white hardhat and a high vis vest stands on a platform overlooking a huge mine, thinking about what comes next.
Resources Shares

BHP shares are up 47%. Could upcoming results send them even higher?

FY26 results may impress, but BHP's FY27 outlook could determine where shares go next.

Read more »

A man in a hard hat and high visibility vest holds his thumb up in a gesture of confidence with heavy moving equipment in the background as on a mine site as the Chalice Mining share price rises today.
Resources Shares

Capricorn Metals expands Golden Range Project with Piastri acquisition

Capricorn Metals boosts its Western Australian footprint by acquiring the Piastri Project, expanding gold and antimony exploration potential.

Read more »

A hand holding a lump of rare earths material against a blue sky.
Resources Shares

Brazilian Rare Earths unveils Rocha da Rocha scoping study

Brazilian Rare Earths shares are in focus after a landmark scoping study forecast world-leading economics for its Rocha da Rocha…

Read more »

Miner standing in front of trucks and smiling, symbolising a rising share price.
Resources Shares

If I invest $10,000 in Fortescue shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?

The dividend outlook for this major miner might surprise you.

Read more »

Woman with gold nuggets on her hand.
Resources Shares

Wia Gold completes $125m placement to fund Kokoseb Gold Project

Wia Gold completes $125 million placement to fully fund the Kokoseb Gold Project following resource growth and feasibility success.

Read more »

Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.
Broker Notes

Up 73%! 3 reasons I'd still buy Mineral Resources shares today

A leading expert forecasts more outperformance from Mineral Resources' surging shares.

Read more »