What's moving the Fortescue share price this week?

Fortescue shares started the week with a big slide but have regained those losses, and then some.

| 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
  • The Fortescue share price has surged 11% since Monday’s close
  • The ASX 200 iron ore miner traded ex-dividend on Monday
  • Investors could be rewarding the company for its ‘green steel’ initiatives

The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price is up a slender 0.1% during the lunch hour on Friday.

At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $23.08.

If the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) iron ore miner can hold onto those gains, today will be the fourth straight day the Fortescue share price finishes in the green.

This follows a hefty loss on Monday to kick off the week.

A man wearing a hard hat and high visibility vest looks out over a vast plain.

Image source: Getty Images

What happened with the ASX 200 miner on Monday?

The Fortescue share price closed down 7.3% on Monday, finishing the day at $20.81.

Part of that loss stemmed from a slide in commodity prices over the weekend. This saw Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares finish Monday down 2.9% while the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price fell 3%.

The Fortescue share price came under additional selling pressure on Monday as the stock traded ex-dividend on the day.

The miner reported its half-year results on 15 February, announcing a fully franked interim dividend of 75 cents per share, down 13% from the prior interim dividend.

On Monday, investors buying the stock were no longer entitled to that dividend, sending the share price lower. Investors who owned shares at Friday's close can expect that dividend payment on 29 March.

Fortescue share price buoyed by green steel ambitions

The Fortescue share price marched higher for the rest of the week, currently up 11% since Monday's close.

Part of that strength looks to be derived from the company's industry-leading sustainability push via its subsidiary Fortescue Future Industries (FFI).

The miner's 'green steel' initiative may have shielded it from some of the wider mining sector fallout on Tuesday following news that China's government had ordered a cutback in steel production at Tangshan.

Chinese officials said the move was necessary to reduce air pollution.

Indeed, on Wednesday Fortescue boss Andrew Forrest pointed to the huge opportunities available to the company in the United States. That's thanks to the US$437 billion worth of subsidies for new energy projects contained in the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Mark Hutchison, the head of FFI, jetted off to the US on Wednesday to discuss those opportunities with government and business leaders.

Fortescue share price snapshot

As you can see in the chart below, a big surge in the Fortescue share price since early November has helped send the ASX 200 miner's shares up 19% over the past 12 months.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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

Pile of copper pipes.
Resources Shares

Shares in these 2 ASX copper companies are charging higher after a new deal was announced

This agreement looks like a win-win at this stage.

Read more »

Two workers working with a large copper coil in a factory.
Resources Shares

With an "extreme" copper crunch coming, here are 2 shares to buy

Pitt Street Research has picked some potential winners.

Read more »

CEO leading a board meeting.
Resources Shares

Northern Star Resources announces CEO succession plan

Northern Star Resources has announced Managing Director Stuart Tonkin will step down in FY27 after leading major expansion.

Read more »

Young woman reviewing financial reports at desk with multiple computer screens.
Resources Shares

BHP shares vs Rio Tinto shares: Which miner looks better?

Both miners can generate huge cash flow, but I prefer the one with the stronger long-term commodity mix.

Read more »

Buy, hold, and sell ratings written on signs on a wooden pole.
Resources Shares

3 reasons why the BHP share price could be a buy

BHP is an incredible operator that’s worth owning for the long-term.

Read more »

A group of three men in hard hats and high visibility vests stand together at a mine site while one points and the others look on with piles of dirt and mining equipment in the background.
Resources Shares

Fortescue shares slump 6% from a multi-year high: Buy, sell or hold?

Here's what to expect from the iron ore giant next.

Read more »

Two workers working with a large copper coil in a factory.
Resources Shares

Morgans is tipping this ASX copper company could more than triple in value

The company has also released an exploration update.

Read more »

Female miner uses mobile phone at mine site
Resources Shares

Why this top fundie is overweight BHP shares

A leading fund manager is loading up on BHP shares. But why?

Read more »