Why is the ASX 200 falling when so many stocks are rising?

Big miners and banks are pulling the ASX 200 lower.

| 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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is heading south on Friday.

At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.62% to 8,632 points.

The index has fallen from a day high of 8,705 points and is now trading near its session low of 8,613.6 points.

That follows Thursday's 1.13% fall, which left the ASX 200 at 8,686.1 points.

But here's the interesting part.

The market is not falling because every part of the ASX 200 is being sold off.

At the latest check, 91 stocks were lower, 99 were higher, and 10 were unchanged.

So why is the index still in the red?

ASX board.

Image Source: Getty Images

The big end of the market is doing the damage

The weakness is coming from some of the largest names on the ASX.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are down 1.93% to $61.59, while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares are down 1.24% to $185.74.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) is also under pressure, with its shares down 2.24% to $20.55.

Energy stocks are not helping either.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are down 1.69% to $30.80.

Commodity prices are adding to the pressure. Gold is down 0.83% to US$4,437 an ounce, copper is off 1.61% to US$6.40 per pound, and iron ore has fallen 1.69% to US$101.96 a tonne.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are slipping 1.56% to $161.17, while Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are 1.39% lower at $34.75.

The banks are also weighing on the index.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares are shedding 0.73% to $36.74, and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares are drifting 1.04% lower to $34.12.

Healthcare and tech are helping limit the fall

The other side of today's session is more positive.

Healthcare shares are among the better performers, with CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) up 4.59% to $96.84.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares are also higher, rising 5% to $99.85.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) shares are lifting 3.47% to $27.42, while Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares are 3.66% higher at $165.06.

There are also some strong moves in tech and growth names.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) shares are soaring 10.36% to $18.33, making it one of the standout names on the ASX.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares are also higher, rising 5.35% to $13.58.

These gains are helping stop the ASX 200 from looking worse, but they're not enough to offset pressure from the larger index heavyweights.

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 CSL, Cochlear, Megaport, ResMed, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, Cochlear, Pro Medicus, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Economy

Two male professional analysts discuss share price movements shown on the computer screen in front of them.
Economy

ASX 200 drops as soaring oil prices rattle global markets

Renewed global tensions push the ASX 200 lower on Monday.

Read more »

Pieces of paper with percetage rates on them and a question mark.
Economy

Could the RBA start cutting interest rates sooner than expected?

Westpac has changed its outlook for interest rates.

Read more »

Graphic depicting Australian economic activity.
Economy

ASX 200 snaps its losing streak as miners and banks rally

The ASX 200 is finally back in positive territory.

Read more »

Crude oil barrels rocketing.
Economy

Is the ASX 200 heading for a third straight fall as oil prices jump?

The ASX 200 is on track for another session in the red.

Read more »

Digital screen of stock exchange showing shares in the red.
Economy

Why the ASX 200 is sliding towards a 4-week low today

The ASX 200 is sliding as global market worries return.

Read more »

A bright graphic showing neon green and red arrows in a downwards direction with a world map behind them in neon blue.
Economy

ASX 200 slips again: Why the market can't follow Wall Street higher

The ASX 200 is slipping despite a strong Wall Street lead.

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Economy

ASX 200 slips as Friday's rally fades

ASX 200 slips as Friday’s rebound loses steam.

Read more »

Broker working with share prices on computers.
Economy

ASX 200 claws back early losses as bank shares jump

The ASX 200 is fighting back after an early sell-off.

Read more »