December has been another disappointing month for the AMP (ASX:AMP) share price. Here's why

Here's what's been going on with AMP this month

| More on:
sad child holds paper and leans with head in hand near a computer looking downcast.

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 AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price has continued its long-term slide through December so far. However, today's news has boosted it closer to the green.

Prior to today, AMP's stock was trading for 9% less than it was at the end of last month.

Luckily, as of Friday's close, the AMP share price is $1. That's 6.9% higher than it was at the end of Thursday's session.

That means it's only fallen 2.4% over December so far.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained 2.3% this month.

Let's take a look at what's been going on with the embattled company lately.

What's driving the AMP share price this month?

After a rocky November, the AMP share price has spent much of December tumbling, potentially due to news released on the final day of last month.

On 30 November, AMP provided the market with an update on its planned demerger and a brief look at its future strategy.

The demerger – which will see AMP's private markets business (PrivateMarketsCo) separated from the company – is set to go ahead in the first half of 2022.

It will see AMP able to focus on its work as a retail wealth manager. Meanwhile, its private markets business is expected to become a global manager of infrastructure and real estate investments, increasingly focusing on international institutional clients.

On releasing the update, the AMP share price gained 3%. However, it toppled into December, falling 8.7% over the first 2 days of this month.

The company also recently released non-price-sensitive news of how its shares will soon be traded.

Last week, AMP announced it's decided it will de-list from the New Zealand Exchange (NZX) in February. It said doing so will simplify its shareholder administration as it ramps up for its split.

Fortunately, the company announced good news on Christmas Eve. This morning, AMP announced PrivateMarketsCo has agreed to sell its infrastructure debt platform for $428 million.

The platform will be purchased by Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES).

Despite today's uptick, the AMP share price's recent performance has added to its long-term woes.

Its shares are now trading for 35% less than they were at the start of 2021.

However, with 3 sessions left to go in December, plenty of investors will likely be watching AMP in the hope its stock can finish 2021 strong.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 Financial Shares

IPO written in dark blue with a yellow background.
Financial Shares

ASX fintech stock backed by Mastercard slumps 9% on debut

Meet the ASX's newest fintech company.

Read more »

Man smiling at a laptop because of a rising share price.
Financial Shares

How the US election results are 'fundamentally positive' for Macquarie shares in 2025

This expert says 2025 could be another strong year for Macquarie shares. But why?

Read more »

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

Zip or Block shares: Which is the more profitable company?

We've crunched the numbers.

Read more »

A man holds his head as he looks at his laptop and contemplates more bills to pay.
Financial Shares

Down 19%! Is the GQG share price selloff an overreaction and buying opportunity?

Is now the time to pounce on this beaten down stock? Let's see what Goldman Sachs is saying.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.
Financial Shares

IAG share price reaches new 5-year high! What next?

It’s been a great period for the insurance giant. Could it keep rising?

Read more »

Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.
Financial Shares

This $7 billion ASX 200 stock just crashed 11%. What's going on?

There's trouble in India and it's weighing on this stock today.

Read more »

A happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movements
Financial Shares

Here's what this top broker is saying about Macquarie shares

Is this investment bank heading to a new record high?

Read more »

A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.
Financial Shares

Up 25% in a year, why this ASX All Ords stock has 'plenty more upside'

Analysts think this stock could still have plenty of gas left in its tank.

Read more »