The CSL share price dips as the ASX 200 dives on Wednesday

CSL shares are falling wayside on Wednesday.

| 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
  • CSL shares backtrack 1.75% to $289.95 during early afternoon trade
  • Investors are fleeing the market following the release of a disappointing consumer price index report for the month of August
  • This led the Dow Jones to tank 3.94% overnight, and the ASX is now following suit

The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price is being dumped amid a broader market sell-off by investors.

At the time of writing, the biotherapeutics company's shares are down 1.75% to $289.95.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 2.38% today, marking its biggest drop since June 2022.

Two young men jump off a cliff into the water.

Image source: Getty Images

Here's why CSL shares are in reverse today

Wall Street recorded heavy losses overnight following the release of the consumer price index report for August.

The data showed that inflation rose by 0.1% on a monthly basis when the market was expecting a 0.1% decrease.

Consequently, investors digested the negative news sending the Dow Jones 3.94% lower on the day.

This is because fears are growing that the United States Federal Reserve could lift interest rates by a full percentage point.

Previously, economists were expecting at worst that the central bank would hike the rate by 75 percentage points.

However, the market is now readjusting itself to factor in a likely aggressive move by the Fed to cool inflation.

As such, investors have hit the sell button on the CSL share price due to the broader market slump.

The S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ), of which CSL is a part, is currently down by 1.57%.

What do the brokers think?

Despite the gloomy turn of events, CSL shares are known for their high growth and defensive qualities.

As such, a number of brokers believe the share price is currently undervalued and lifted their price targets following the company's full-year results.

As reported by ANZ Share Investing, Jefferies raised its price target by 0.8% to $320.50 per CSL share.

Furthermore, both Macquarie and Morgan Stanley improved their price target by 5.6% to $329.50, and 3.5% to $323 apiece.

Based on where CSL shares are now trading, this implies an upside of around 12%.

CSL share price snapshot

Since the start of 2022, the CSL share price has taken investors on a rollercoaster.

Its shares are flat when looking at the past nine months.

CSL is the third largest company on the ASX with a market capitalisation of roughly $142.3 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 positions in and has recommended CSL Ltd. 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 Healthcare Shares

A group of people in a corporate setting do a collective high five.
Healthcare Shares

Up 1,173% in a year, what do 4DMedical shares have over other healthcare stocks?

Expert explains why 4DMedical is somewhat sheltered from today's sector headwinds.

Read more »

A couple sits on the bed in their hotel room wearing white robes, both have seen the bad news on their phones.
Earnings Results

What's going on with ResMed shares today?

The sleep disorder treatment company has released its third-quarter update this morning.

Read more »

A young man sits at his desk working on his laptop with a big smile on his face.
Healthcare Shares

Resmed reports double-digit revenue and profit increases in Q3 FY26

Resmed posted double-digit revenue and profit growth in Q3 FY26, with management confident about continued momentum.

Read more »

a woman puts her fingers in her ears with a pained expression on her face with her eyes closed as though trying to block hearing bad news or an unpleasant loud noise.
Healthcare Shares

Cochlear shares crashed in April, but is a comeback looming?

This ASX 200 healthcare stock is caught between short-term pain and long-term potential.

Read more »

A medical researcher rests his forehead on his fist with a dejected look on his face while sitting behind a scientific microscope with another researcher's hand on his shoulder, as if giving comfort.
Healthcare Shares

What's making healthcare the worst sector on the ASX 200, down 39% in a year?

An expert outlines the key headwinds weighing on the industry and share prices today.

Read more »

woman testing substance in laboratory dish, csl share price
Healthcare Shares

Good news, falling shares: What's dragging this ASX stock lower?

In biotech, strong updates don't always push the share price higher.

Read more »

A graphic showing a businessman running up a white upwards rising arrow symbolising the soaring Magellan share price today
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX All Ords healthcare share is rocketing 18% in Thursday's sinking market

Investors are piling into the ASX healthcare share on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.
Healthcare Shares

Mesoblast shares: Cash burn falls and Ryoncil® sales climb

Mesoblast reports higher Ryoncil® sales, improved cash management, and research milestones for the March 2026 quarter.

Read more »