Why did the Zip share price jump 4% today?

The buy-now, pay-later provider has bounced back from recent losses.

| More on:
A man reacts with surprise when her see a bargain price on his phone.

Image source: Getty Images

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

  • Zip shares ended Thursday's session up more than 4% to 70 cents.
  • Strong gains on Wall Street overnight helped drive the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index higher
  • The US Fed appears to have backtracked on comments about its aggressive monetary tightening policy

The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) share price enjoyed a rare day in the green today.

After hitting a two-month low of 66 cents yesterday, the buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) provider's shares made a comeback today.

This is despite the company not releasing any announcements to the market today.

At the close of trading, Zip shares were up 4.48% to 70 cents apiece — closing higher for just the second time in the past two weeks.

Let's take a look at what could be driving these gains.

What's powering Zip's stock?

Investors bid up the Zip share price following an uplift across the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ).

In a sea of green, the financials sector ended the day up 0.99%.

This comes after Wall Street posted strong gains overnight, with the Dow Jones lifting 1.88%.

News emerged that the US Federal Reserve could back off its aggressive rate hikes to avoid a potential recession.

This represents a change of events from when the central bank indicated it would raise interest rates despite the recession risk.

Nonetheless, the financial industry is rebounding from the heavy beating it took this week, having declined 4%.

Shares in fellow BNPL company Block Inc CDI (ASX: SQ2) also closed higher today, up 4.96%, while Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) retreated after early gains to finish flat at 49.5 cents.

However, you might want to keep an eye out next week when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) meets again.

Last month, the RBA lifted the official cash rate to 2.35%.

While this is the highest level it has been since early 2015, the RBA is using its toolkit to fight against the above-target inflation.

Zip share price summary

Over the past 12 months, the Zip share price has plummeted 90%. Year to date, it is down 84%.

A challenging external environment mixed with the company's widening credit losses and ballooning net losses appear to have scared investors off.

Zip presides a market capitalisation of around $467.98 million.

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 Block, Inc. and ZIPCOLTD FPO. 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

A young woman smiles as she rides a zip line high above the trees.
BNPL shares

Why did Zip shares rebound 19% this week?

FY26 has been volatile for this ASX BNPL stock.

Read more »

Happy woman in purple clothes looking at asx share price on mobile phone
BNPL shares

Zip share price plunges 30% in a month but fundie tips 'meaningful upside' ahead

After 110% share price growth in FY25, Zip shares have failed to maintain the momentum in FY26.

Read more »

People sit in rollercoaster seats with expressions of fear, terror and exhilaration as it goes into a steep downward descent representing the Novonix share price in FY22
BNPL shares

$10,000 invested in Zip shares in January is now worth…

Zip shares have had a rollercoaster of a ride over the past 12 months.

Read more »

Stock market crash concept of young man screaming at laptop on the sofa.
BNPL shares

Why is the Block share price crashing 14% on Friday?

Investors are punishing Block shares on Friday. But why?

Read more »

a young woman holds her hand to her ear and leans sideways as if to listen to something that's surprising her as her eyes and her mouth are wide open.
Financial Shares

Why are Zip shares down 23% in a month, and what was revealed at the AGM today?

The buy now, pay later operator conducted its annual general meeting on Thursday.

Read more »

Upset woman with her hand on her forehead, holding a credit card.
BNPL shares

Why did Zip shares tumble 12% in October?

After surging more than 300% since April, why did Zip shares tumble in October?

Read more »

A young boy sits on his father's shoulders as they flex their muscles at sunrise on a beach
Broker Notes

Macquarie initiates coverage of Zip shares with outperform rating and predicts 17% upside

Is it time to buy now on these BNPL shares?

Read more »

Buy now, pay later written on a smartphone with a shopping cart symbol at the bottom.
BNPL shares

Up 237% since April, Zip shares lifting today on big US news

Zip shares have more than tripled investors’ money since April.

Read more »