Why the Magellan (ASX:MFG) share price outperformed today

The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price was an ASX 200 outperformer today. Here's what might have caused MFG shares to rise

| More on:
A young woman wearing a silver bracelet raises her sunglasses in amazement, indicating positive share price movement in jewellery shares.

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

The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price is outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today. At the close of trade today, Magellan shares are up 0.88% to $48.40. That is a significant departure from the broader ASX 200 Index, which ended the day in the red with a loss of 0.3% to 6,968 points.

Today's move is the latest in what has been a pretty good month to hold Magellan shares. Since 9 March, the Magellan share price is up close to 15%. However, saying that Magellan is still in the red for 2021 so far. Since the start of the year, Magellan shares are down 8.7% on today's pricing.

So why are Magellan shares outperforming today?

Magellan share price supported by FUM?

A large contributing factor to Magellan's share price performance today could be its performance numbers released last week. On Friday morning, Magellan reported that its funds under management (FUM) swelled by close to $6 billion to $106.05 billion over March, up from the $100.61 billion that we saw at the end of February. 

Most of these gains were from market appreciation, considering that net inflows only made up $206 million of this FUM appreciation. Of this $206 million, $221 million came from institutional investments, with retail investments contributing a net outflow of $15 million. 

Over the quarter ending 31 March, Magellan also saw net inflows of $1.12 billion.

As my Fool colleague reported on Friday, the initial reaction from investors on this news was to hit the sell button. Indeed, Magellan share price lost more than 2% on Friday. But perhaps that was a reaction to the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine problems that were the talk of the town that day rather than Magellan's figures. By extension, perhaps today's share price moves are a delayed reaction from investors on that front.

But Magellan shares may also be benefitting from the current state of the US share markets. Magellan's largest funds, such as the Magellan Global Fund (ASX: MGF), are predominantly invested in US shares such as Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX) and Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL). On Friday afternoon (US time), the S&P 500 Index (INDEXSP: .INX) closed at its highest level in history. That can't be a bad thing for Magellan.

Whatever the root cause, Magellan shareholders will no doubt be happy with today's market moves. At the current share price, Magellan has a market capitalisation of $133.25 billion.

Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Alphabet (A shares), Magellan High Conviction Trust, and Starbucks. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares) and Starbucks and recommends the following options: short April 2021 $110 calls on Starbucks. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet (A shares) and Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Financial Shares

Woman and man calculating a dividend yield.
Financial Shares

Australian insurance sector: Does Macquarie prefer IAG or Suncorp shares?

Here’s an expert’s views on the insurance sector.

Read more »

A woman sits on a chair smiling as she shops online.
Financial Shares

Which ASX 200 financial share delivered better returns in FY25: IAG, AMP, or Zip?

We compare share price movements and dividend payments for these 3 ASX 200 financial stocks.

Read more »

a man sits in unhappy contemplation staring at his computer on his desk in a home environment, propping his chin on his hand.
Financial Shares

Did Suncorp or QBE insurance shares perform better in the last year?

These insurance providers brought solid returns for investors in the last 12 months. 

Read more »

A man sits thoughtfully on the couch with a laptop on his lap.
Financial Shares

Up 58% since April, this ASX 200 financial stock just reported record results

The ASX 200 wealth management and technology company has been on a tear since April. Here’s the latest.

Read more »

A young woman smiles as she rides a zip line high above the trees.
Financial Shares

5 best ASX 200 financial shares of FY25 (CBA didn't make the cut!)

These stocks were well and truly 'in the black' for share price growth last financial year.

Read more »

Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.
Financial Shares

Does Macquarie rate IAG Insurance shares a buy, hold or sell?

The insurer's share price has slumped this week.

Read more »

Worried woman calculating domestic bills.
Financial Shares

What's the outlook for household deposit growth for the big 4 banks?

Household deposit growth has accelerated over the past two years.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Broker Notes

After crashing more than 21% yesterday, does Macquarie rate Helia shares a buy?

Should I buy the big dip on Helia shares? Here’s Macquarie’s latest share price forecast.

Read more »