ASX 200 down 0.1%: Telstra update impresses, AMP sinks, Newcrest jumps

AMP Ltd (ASX:AMP) and Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX:TLS) shares are making a splash on the ASX 200 on Thursday. Here's why…

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

At lunch on Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a decline. The benchmark index is currently down 0.1% to 6,849.9 points.

Here's what is happening on the market today:

Telstra share price higher on half year update

The Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price is pushing higher on Thursday following the release of its half year results. The telco giant reported a 10.4% decline in total income to $12 billion and a 14.2% reduction in underlying EBITDA to $3.3 billion. The latter was largely due to an estimated in-year NBN headwind of $370 million and an estimated $170 million impact from COVID-19. Positively, Telstra's free cash flow was strong, allowing the board to maintain its 8 cents per share dividend. It also confirmed that it plans to maintain its fully franked full year dividend of 16 cents per share.

AMP share price sinks

The AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price is sinking today after releasing its full year results and revealing a sharp reduction in profits. For the 12 months ended 31 December, the financial services company reported an underlying net profit after tax of $295 million. This was down 33% on the prior corresponding period. According to the release, AMP's result reflects the impacts of COVID-19 on its clients, its business, and the broader economy and financial markets.

AGL posts $2.3 billion half year loss

The AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) share price is trading slightly higher today despite posting a massive half year loss. For the six months ended 31 December, the energy company recorded a statutory loss after tax of $2.3 billion. This was due to previously announced onerous contract provisions and impairment charges of ~$2.7 billion. On an underlying basis, profit after tax fell 27% to $317 million. This includes $74 million of insurance receipts relating to FY 2020's Loy Yang Unit 2 outage.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday has been the Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) share price with a 5.5% gain. This morning the gold miner reported a 98% jump in half year underlying profit to US$553 million. The worst performer has been the AMP share price with a 9% decline following its full year results release.

Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

Scott just revealed what he believes could be the 'five best ASX stocks' for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

A cute little kid in a suit pulls a shocked face as he talks on his smartphone.
Share Market News

Telstra share price hits 8-year high amid a lacklustre trading week

The ASX 200 communications services sector was the best performer last week, rising 2.96%.

Read more »

share buyers, investors, happy investors
ETFs

How I would build a $100,000 portfolio with ASX ETFs today

You don't need more than three ETFs to build a diversified portfolio...

Read more »

A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 100%

Analysts are expecting these shares to deliver big returns over the next 12 months.

Read more »

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

The silhouettes of ten people holding hands with their arms raised against the sky, as the sun rises or sets in the background.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX shares finished the trading week on a high this Friday.

Read more »

A businessman stacks building blocks.
Technology Shares

6% gain! What's up with Block shares today?

Block shares are up more than 34% since 2 May.

Read more »

Broker looking at the share price.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Share Gainers

Why ARB, Block, Mayne Pharma, and Paladin Energy shares are charging higher today

These shares are having a strong finish to the week. But why?

Read more »