Why all eyes are on the BHP (ASX:BHP) share price today

All eyes are on the iron ore giant as investors wait for more economic data.

| More on:
industrial asx share price on watch represented by builder looking through magnifying glass

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 BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is one to watch this morning. Investors will be keeping a close eye on the iron ore giant and its fellow ASX-listed peers throughout Wednesday's trade.

Why is everyone watching the BHP share price?

The big news on Wednesday is the latest economic growth figures due out from the major banks. According to an article in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), many economists are set to upgrade their gross domestic product (GDP) forecasts on the back of surging iron ore prices.

Tuesday's Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) release was the catalyst here. Mineral exports soared higher in the March quarter which helped propel Australia's current account surplus to $18.3 billion. The current account refers to a country's trade balance, meaning Australia recorded a significant net trade surplus (i.e. more exports than imports).

The BHP share price will be one to watch today as investors digest the latest numbers. Shares in the iron ore giant edged 0.1% higher to close at $47.91 per share on Tuesday afternoon.

However, the company's value has swelled 11.3% higher in 2021 alone. Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) shares also climbed higher on Tuesday and are worth watching today.

That's not to say that it has been all smooth sailing for the BHP share price in 2021. Shares in the iron ore giant struggled in May as they came off record highs last month.

According to the AFR article, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) economists are now tipping 2.1% GDP growth in the quarter. That's a lot more bullish than the upgraded market consensus estimate of 1.5%.

Foolish takeaway

The BHP share price is one to watch in early trade. Evidence of a stronger than expected economic recovery continues to help prop up market sentiment.

Investors will be watching the latest economic data throughout the day for any signs of good news.

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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 Bruce Jackson.

More on Resources Shares

Female miner standing next to a haul truck in a large mining operation.
Resources Shares

Is this the right time to buy Fortescue shares?

Is it time to dig into this iron ore miner?

Read more »

Female worker sitting desk with head in hand and looking fed up
Resources Shares

What does the $100 billion blow for mining exports mean for these ASX 200 stocks?

Are these mining shares worth snapping up at a discount?

Read more »

a female miner looks straight ahead at the camera wearing a hard hat, protective goggles and a high visibility vest standing in from of a mine site and looking seriously with direct eye contact.
Resources Shares

Could Rio Tinto shares be a gold mine in 2025?

Let’s unearth whether this ASX mining share is an opportunity.

Read more »

two men in hard hats and high visibility jackets look together at a laptop screen that one of the men in holding at a mine site.
Resources Shares

BHP shares rise amid positive class action news

Here’s the latest from BHP on its huge legal case.

Read more »

A female employee in a hard hat and overalls with high visibility stripes sits at the wheel of a large mining vehicle with mining equipment in the background.
Resources Shares

The under-the-radar metal trading at record prices (and 4 ASX mining shares exposed to it)

Which ASX miners have exposure to this soaring, under-the-radar metal?

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Why is the Mineral Resources share price racing ahead of the benchmark on Wednesday?

Here’s what’s happening.

Read more »

two men in hard hats and high visibility jackets look together at a laptop screen that one of the men in holding at a mine site.
Resources Shares

Should you buy the 28% dip on Newmont shares?

Is this sell-off a golden opportunity?

Read more »

Three miners wearing hard hats and high vis vests take a break on site at a mine as the Fortescue share price drops in FY22
Resources Shares

3 ASX mining shares just upgraded by brokers (one with 60% upside!)

Here are 3 ASX mining shares that brokers are backing for growth in an uncertain climate.

Read more »