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

There's plenty of news drawing attention to the iron ore giant today.

| More on:
Man looks confused as he works at his laptop. watching the Magnis share price movements

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

  • The Fortescue share price defied the market's downturn for much of today before sliding into the red in late afternoon trade
  • At the time of writing, the stock is down 0.49% at $20.31
  • Its rollercoaster performance comes amid soaring iron ore prices and recognition for Andrew Forrest

The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price spent much of Friday outperforming before dipping into the red on the home stretch.

Stock in the iron ore giant started the day in the red before soaring – peaking at $20.73, 1.57% higher than its previous close.

That was despite the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tumbling over the course of the day following a brutal overnight session on Wall Street. Right now, the ASX 200 has dropped 0.53%.

Meanwhile, the Fortescue share price has sadly dropped into the red in late afternoon trade. It's down 0.49% at $20.31 at the time of writing.

What might have inspired the stock's rollercoaster of a day? Let's take a look.

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

The Fortescue share price has been up, down, and all around today amid surging iron ore prices, strength in the materials sector, and recognition of its boss, billionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest.

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) was among the market's best-performing sectors for much of today. And while it has slipped into the red this afternoon, it's still outperforming the broader market, down 0.34%.

The sector was buoyed as Singapore iron ore futures hit a six-month high. The steelmaking ingredient's value surged amid reports from official Chinese media stating the nation will target economic growth by bolstering consumption and demand.

Meanwhile, Fortescue shares might have been front of mind today after the Australian Financial Review revealed Forrest has been included in its Business People of the Year list.

The publication wrote Forrest's recent multi-billion acquisition of CWP Renewables, via his privately-owned Squadron Energy, cemented his place on the list.

The buy crowned the billionaire Australia's largest renewable energy investor, operator, and developer.

Today's moves included, the Fortescue share price is 2.5% higher than it was at the start of 2022. It has also gained 8% since this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.
Materials Shares

ASX lithium shares tumble as falling prices hit export values

Here are all the details from a new report released today.

Read more »

A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.
Materials Shares

Why are Sayona Mining shares getting thumped today?

Should this miner have put its lithium operation on care and maintenance?

Read more »

Three miners stand together at a mine site studying documents with equipment in the background
Materials Shares

BHP shares sink on $60b Anglo American takeover news

The Big Australian could be on the verge of a major acquisition.

Read more »

A man in trendy clothing sits on a bench in a shopping mall looking at his phone with interest and a surprised look on his face.
Materials Shares

Dirt cheap! Why Lynas shares could rise 18%

Bell Potter sees a lot of value in this rare earths miner's shares.

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Materials Shares

Why Fortescue shares could crash 30%

One leading broker believes this mining giant's shares are severely overvalued.

Read more »

Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Materials Shares

Here's the Pilbara Minerals dividend forecast through to 2028

Let's see what analysts are predicting for this lithium giant's dividends.

Read more »

A man wearing glasses and a white t-shirt pumps his fists in the air looking excited and happy about the rising OBX share price
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX lithium stock is rocketing 15% on big news

Why are investors buying this lithium share on Wednesday?

Read more »

a mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.
Materials Shares

Mineral Resources share price tumbles amid ongoing lithium price weakness

ASX 200 investors are bidding down the Mineral Resources share price on Wednesday.

Read more »