Why are ASX lithium shares leaping ahead today?

We check what's happening with lithium shares to start the trading week.

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
  • Lithium shares in the green today include Core Lithium and Pilbara Minerals 
  • This follows US lithium shares rising overnight 
  • However, lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide prices have fallen again

ASX lithium shares are having a top run on the market today.

Lithium shares in the green include:

For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is rising 1.27% today.

Let's take a look at why ASX lithium shares are leaping higher today.

a man sits back from his laptop computer with both hands behind his head feeling happy to see the Brambles share price moving significantly higher today

Image source: Getty Images

What's going on?

ASX lithium shares appear to be following in the footsteps of their United States peers overnight.

The share price of New York Stock Exchange lithium giant Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) jumped 2.64% in the US overnight, while Livent Corp (NYSE: LTHM) shares rose 4.22%. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE: SQM) shares climbed 1.06%.

This was despite the lithium price sliding again. The Lithium Carbonate Index (battery grade) fell 3.04% to US$31,924.16 on the Shanghai Metals Market, while the Lithium Hydroxide Index (battery grade) fell 3.1% to US$43,538.22.

Lithium hydroxide has also fallen 3.01% on the London Metal Exchange to US$58,100.

Saxo Markets Australia market analyst Jessica Amir, quoted by The Australian yesterday, is positive on lithium long term but noted the sector is a "highly volatile space". She said:

Investors are thinking the reporting season in August might be ugly compared to what it has been.

However, we are bullish long term on lithium.

Share price snapshot

The Core Lithium share price has fallen 31% in the last year, while Pilbara shares have gained 20%.

Allkem shares have slid 15%, while Lake Resources shares have descended nearly 77% in the last 12 months.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea 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 bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face.
Materials Shares

Which ASX mining stock could rise 120% according to a leading broker?

Bell Potter thinks this mining stock could be seriously undervalued.

Read more »

Male building supervisor stands and smiles with his arms crossed at a building site with workers behind him.
Materials Shares

Down 25%! Is this resurgent ASX 200 stock a strong buy?

Analysts at Morgans see more than 60% upside ahead.

Read more »

A man wearing a suit holds his arms aloft, attached to a large lithium battery with green charging symbols on it.
Materials Shares

Should I buy PLS Group shares in April?

Can the ASX lithium share continue charging higher?

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Materials Shares

Why is this ASX rare earths share sinking 13% today?

What's going on with this share today? Let's dig deeper into things.

Read more »

A construction worker leaps high in the air on a building site.
Materials Shares

Why are James Hardie shares storming higher today?

After a steep sell-off, investors may start to see strength and long-term potential.

Read more »

Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Materials Shares

Which ASX rare earths company's shares are trading higher on new funding news?

Two major government finance agencies have signed on.

Read more »

A man sitting at his dining table looks at his laptop and ponders the share price.
Materials Shares

ASX lithium shares 'compelling' as top broker adjusts ratings

UBS predicts the global oil shock caused by the war in Iran will drive higher demand for electric vehicles.

Read more »

Three workers jump in the air at a steel factory.
Materials Shares

This ASX steel stock is unlocking hidden value. So why is it falling today?

BlueScope shares fall after an update on surplus land developments.

Read more »