Why the Afterpay Ltd (ASX:APT) share price is bouncing back on Wednesday

Afterpay is almost back to breakeven for the week after an ugly sell-off on Tuesday.

A boy bounds after a big colourful bouncing ball in a grassy field.

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 Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price has reversed most of yesterday's losses following a strong rebound on Wall Street overnight.

At the time of writing, Afterpay shares are up 4.08% to $118.24, tracking well ahead of its ASX-listed rivals Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) and Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL), both of which are up about 2%.

What's driving the Afterpay share price?

Wall Street paved the way for today's gains, with all major indices bouncing about 1%.

The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) added 45 points, or 1.05%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was up 312 points, or 0.92%.

And perhaps more relevant to the Afterpay share price, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQ: .IXIC) recouped 178 points or 1.25%.

Technology shares shrugged off concerns about rising yields, even as benchmark US Treasury yields continued to climb.

Overnight, 10-year US Treasury yields hit session highs of 1.54% and are currently fetching 1.55%, the highest since mid-June.

Rising yields have driven concerns that higher inflation is here to stay, despite the US Federal Reserve's previous assessment that it was only "transitory".

Richly-valued technology shares are the most sensitive to higher yields, which affect how investors value the company's all-important future profits.

Nonetheless, bargain hunters were quick to step up in last night's session, driving broad-based gains across all sectors except real estate and utilities.

Communication services, financials and tech were among the best performing sectors in the US.

Afterpay's US-listed rival Affirm Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: AFRM) closed 3.27% higher after plunging 8.42% on Tuesday. While Afterpay's soon-to-be parent company Square Inc (NASDAQ: SQ) rallied 4.3% to US$235.98.

Based on Square's closing price, its takeover exchange ratio of 0.375 shares and current exchange rates, this implies a theoretical value of $121.52 a share for Afterpay.

The Afterpay share price has closely tracked the performance of Square since its takeover offer 2 months ago.

Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, Affirm Holdings, Inc., and Square. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Gainers

One girl leapfrogs over her friend's back.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX All Ords stock just doubled investors' money in a month

Investors have sent the ASX All Ords stock up 100% in just one month. But why?

Read more »

Small chocolate bunnies.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors ended the short trading week on a high today.

Read more »

Ecstatic man giving a fist pump in an office hallway.
Share Gainers

Why Brainchip, Challenger, Clarity, and Gorilla Gold Mines shares are storming higher

These shares are rising more than most on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

A happy girl in a yellow playsuit with a zip gives the thumbs up
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a miserly Wednesday session for investors today.

Read more »

A woman's hand draws a stylised 'Top Ten' on a projected surface.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors kept up the positive momentum this Tuesday.

Read more »

Emotional euphoric young woman giving high five to male partner, celebrating family achievement, getting bank loan approval, or financial or investing success.
Share Gainers

Why Accent, DroneShield, EBR Systems, and Titomic shares are pushing higher

These shares are rising more than most today. But why?

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Share Gainers

Why is this ASX All Ords mining share soaring 33% on Tuesday?

Investors are sending the ASX All Ords mining share flying higher. But why?

Read more »

Medical workers examine an xray or scan in a hospital laboratory.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX All Ords stock just rocketed 28% on a new commercial contract!

The ASX All Ords stock has grabbed plenty of investor interest on Tuesday.

Read more »