What's causing the Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price to leap 9% today?

It's a good day on the ASX so far for iron ore miners…

| More on:
Three mining workers stand proudly in front of a mine smiling because the BHP share price is rising

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 Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price is climbing higher today, up 9.2% to $17.26 per share.

That's well ahead of the 0.7% gain posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) at this same time.

So, what's going on with the iron ore giant?

ASX 200 iron ore miners are in the green today

The answer to that question likely is revealed in the way I phrased it.

With no price-sensitive news from the company today, Fortescue shares look to be getting a healthy boost from a sharp increase in iron ore prices. Iron ore gained 4.3% overnight to trade at $US95.63 (AU$131) per tonne.

While Fortescue is leading the charge, fellow ASX 200 iron ore miners are also well into the green today.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price, for example, is up 4.5%. And shares in Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) are up 4.4% at the time of writing.

Now, with today's big leap, what can investors expect next for Fortescue?

That depends on who you ask.

As my Foolish colleague, James Mickleboro, wrote earlier today, "The team at Bell Potter continue to see a lot of value in the Fortescue share price. A recent note reveals that its analysts have a buy rating and $19.75 price target [over the next 12 months] on its shares."

That's some 14% above the current share price.

Goldman Sachs, on the other hand, has a decidedly different view, with a sell rating and $11.00 target on the Fortescue share price.

Fortescue share price snapshot

The Fortescue share price was performing strongly into July this year when iron ore was fetching record prices of some US$220 per tonne. Shares are down 34% since 29 July.

More recently, Fortescue shares have gained around 18% in the last month, even as the ASX 200 has slipped 0.5%.

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 3 April 2025

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

Three miners stand together at a mine site studying documents with equipment in the background
Resources Shares

What does Macquarie think Fortescue shares are worth?

Is the iron ore giant about to turn a corner?

Read more »

Three miners looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Which ASX lithium share should I buy?

The ASX is one of the best markets in the world to get exposure to the lithium space.

Read more »

A happy construction worker or miner holds a fistful of Australian dollar notes.
Resources Shares

$10,000 invested in Rio Tinto shares 5 years ago is now worth…

If you’d listened to Warren Buffett’s advice and bought $10,000 of Rio Tinto shares five years ago, guess how much…

Read more »

Man with a hand on his head looks at a red stock market chart showing a falling share price.
Resources Shares

Has the lithium price bottomed out?

The sinking lithium price has hit ASX lithium companies hard. But are we on the verge of a turnaround?

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Down 80% in a year, Macquarie tips Mineral Resources shares to outperform

The broker likes MinRes' current valuations.

Read more »

Person pointing at an increasing blue graph which represents a rising share price.
Resources Shares

Macquarie suggests 73% upside for Pilbara Minerals shares

Why is Macquarie so bullish on this mining company?

Read more »

Female miner smiling in front of a mining vehicle as the Pilbara Minerals share price rises
Resources Shares

Down 68 percent from its 12-month high, is this ASX 200 lithium favourite an irresistible bargain to me now?

Lithium shares have suffered more than most ASX stocks over the past year. It is time to buy?

Read more »

Two men in hard hats and high visibility jackets look together at a laptop screen at a mine site.
Resources Shares

Why I'm keeping a close watch on the Fortescue share price

The Fortescue share price has plummeted in the past year.

Read more »