What's boosting the Fortescue share price on Wednesday?

Fortescue has made a key appointment…

| 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
  • Fortescue's shares have been boosted by a rising iron ore price
  • This appears to have been driven by speculation that China could ease its COVID restrictions
  • Fortescue has also named a new CEO of its iron ore business

The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price is pushing higher on Wednesday.

In morning trade, the iron ore giant's shares are up 1.5% to $19.74.

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face.

Image source: Getty Images

What's going on with the Fortescue share price today?

Investors have been bidding the Fortescue share price higher on Wednesday following a positive night of trade for the iron ore price.

Due to hopes that China may ease its COVID restrictions following recent protests, iron ore futures topped US$100 a tonne again. This bodes well for the profitability or iron ore miners like Fortescue.

Anything else?

In other news, this morning the miner has announced a major new appointment.

According to the release, the company has snared Fiona Hick from Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) to lead its iron ore business, Fortescue Metals.

As CEO, Hick will be reporting to the Fortescue board, along with Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) CEO, Mark Hutchinson.

The release explains that the Fortescue Metals CEO will work with Hutchinson to lead the company in its transition to a global green metals and energy company.

This includes delivering Fortescue's global metals strategy –

To be the most successful iron ore operator in the world, to lead exploration and development into critical minerals and rare earths, and to decarbonise Fortescue in partnership with FFI, creating significant additional value for shareholders.

Why join Fortescue?

Fiona Hicks revealed that she made the switch due to Fortescue's aim of transitioning into a global green metals and energy company. She commented:

I have enjoyed and grown immensely during my 20 years in energy. I am as committed to the new future of the world as Andrew is. We must provide the metals and the energy which will help to accelerate the energy transition. I join with, and commit to, Andrew and Fortescue's vision of becoming the leading green metals and energy company globally.

Fortescue's founder and executive chairman, Dr Andrew Forrest AO, added:

We are looking forward to Fiona joining us, a deeply respected and experienced executive, to help lead us to step beyond fossil fuels, making our company ever stronger and always creating additional value for shareholders. Fortescue has only had three Chief Executives since it was founded in 2003. We welcome Fiona in our 20th year to lead our green metals company.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Materials Shares

A steel worker peers out from under his protective headwear which is tipped back on his head as he stares solemnly straight ahead with steel production equipment in the background.
Materials Shares

This ASX 200 stock is up almost 30% in a year. Now it is making another big move

This ASX 200 stock is slipping despite a major update.

Read more »

Cheerful businessman with a mining hat on the table sitting back with his arms behind his head while looking at his laptop's screen.
Materials Shares

Bell Potter tips 129% upside for this ASX materials stock

Bell Potter is bullish on this materials stock.

Read more »

Miner looks into the distance as he checks a folder.
Materials Shares

Lynas shares retreat on Malaysia expansion news

Rare earths giant addresses environmental questions.

Read more »

Three businesspeople leap high with the CBD in the background.
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX lithium share is jumping 25% on big news

Investors are happy with this announcement with Korean origins.

Read more »

A hand points to a salt crust at a salt mining operation in Australia.
Materials Shares

This billion-dollar ASX resources company is tipped to jump more than 100%

This company's major project is nearing completion.

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Materials Shares

Forget BHP and Rio Tinto, this ASX copper share could rise 100%+

Bell Potter is bullish on this copper stock and sees huge potential returns.

Read more »

Miner with thumbs down.
Materials Shares

PLS shares drop 5%: What's driving the move?

The lithium stock extends monthly losses on weak sentiment.

Read more »

a miniature moulded model of a man bent over with a pick working stands behind a sign that has lithium's scientific abbreviation 'Li' with the word lithium underneath it against a sparse bland background.
Materials Shares

This ASX lithium stock just reached a key milestone. Why is it down?

This lithium stock is down after a key project update.

Read more »