The latest ASX 200 mining shares to get hit by broker downgrade

Sentiment is starting to improve for ASX 200 mining shares, but this could be time to take profit on some miners.

ASX 200 mining shares downgrade Female worker with hard hat puts head in hands

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

Mining shares on the  S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) are starting to find their feet again but some just got hit by a broker downgrade.

China's move to put downward pressure on commodity prices and worries about economic slowdown from the COVID-19 delta variant triggered the recent sell-off in ASX mining shares.

But these concerns have taken a backseat today with the sector outperforming the broader market.

Iron ore downgrade weighs on ASX 200 mining shares

Nonetheless, JPMorgan have lowered it iron ore price forecast after noting that China's steel output for July fell 8.4% year-on-year. The downtrend continued into August.

"After hovering around $220/t for most of Jun/Jul, iron ore has corrected to ~$130/t," said the broker.

"The significant change in sentiment, combined with lower Chinese steel output has led us to cut our 2021/22 forecasts from $181/150/t to $165/125/t (-9%/-17%)."

Earnings cuts will hurt some more than others

The lower iron ore price assumption led JPMorgan to lower its earnings forecast for ASX iron ore shares by 10% to 35%.

This means a lower valuation for the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price, Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price.

But it's the Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) share price that has come out worst for wear. This is because Mineral Resources was the only one that JPMorgan downgraded to "neutral".

Another ASX 200 mining share to get downgraded

This isn't the only ASX 200 mining shares to get downgraded by the broker. The OZ Minerals Limited (ASX: OZL) share price was also cut to "neutral" as the copper producer's valuation is looking stretched.

The OZ Minerals share price has surged around 70% over the past year when the ASX 200 rallied a more modest 26%.

Even fellow copper miner Sandfire Resources Ltd's (ASX: SFR) share price couldn't keep up as it notched a gain of around 40%.

Best ASX 200 shares to buy

But if you are wondering which ASX 200 mining shares you should be buying in the current environment, JPMorgan has a few suggestions.

One that is rated among its top picks is the BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL) share price. The dour outlook for iron ore is good news for steel producers as their input costs are falling.

Another hot ASX mining share to buy is the South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price.

"Aluminium and alumina price strength, along with a bounce in met coal sees a 38% FY22 earnings upgrade for S32," explained JPMorgan.

The easy pickings in the sector may be gone, but there's value to be found despite the commodity price volatility.

Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of BHP Billiton Limited, Fortescue Metals Group Limited, OZ Minerals Limited, Rio Tinto Ltd., Sandfire Resources NL, and South32 Ltd. 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 Bruce Jackson.

More on Resources Shares

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

What happened with the BHP share price in May?

Did you buy BHP shares in May? Here’s how much the ASX 200 miner returned.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Should I buy Fortescue shares today?

A leading investing expert offers his verdict on the outlook for Fortescue shares.

Read more »

A female miner wearing a high vis vest and hard hard smiles and holds a clipboard while inspecting a mine site with a colleague.
Resources Shares

Is this a good time to buy BHP shares?

Should investors jump on the ASX mining shares right now?

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Broker Notes

Why Macquarie expects this ASX 200 copper stock to surge 36% in a year

Macquarie forecasts some hefty gains ahead for the ASX 200 copper miner. But why?

Read more »

A young African mine worker is standing with a smile in front of a large haul dump truck wearing his personal protective wear.
Resources Shares

Following its FY25 result, Macquarie tips more than 40% upside for this ASX All Ords mining stock

Let’s dig into why this is such an exciting stock.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Macquarie forecasts 30% upside for this ASX All Ords mining stock

If a broker is right, investors have a lot to gain with this stock.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Should I buy Pilbara Minerals or Mineral Resources shares? Here's Macquarie's take

Mineral Resources and Pilbara Minerals shares are both down more than 60% in a year, but Macquarie forecasts a big…

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Does Macquarie rate Fortescue shares a buy, hold or sell?

Down 42% in a year, does Macquarie think Fortescue shares are now a good buy?

Read more »