ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: QBE sinks but Magellan rockets

The ASX 200 is ending the week in a disappointing fashion…

| More on:
A stressed businessman in a suit shirt and trousers sits next to his briefcase with his head in his hands while the ASX boards behind him show BNPL shares crashing

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

At lunch on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week in the red. The benchmark index is currently down 1% to 7,221 points.

Here's what is happening on the ASX 200 today:

QBE shares sink on full year results

The QBE Australia Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) share price is sinking today after its full year results fell short of expectations. For the 12 months ended 31 December, QBE delivered a 25.7% increase in gross written premium to US$18,453 million. This ultimately led to the insurance giant reporting an adjusted net cash profit after tax of US$805 million. This was well short of the market consensus estimate of US$870 million.

Magellan shares shoot higher

It has been a while, but today has been a good day for the Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price. Its shares are shooting higher following the release of its half year results, which revealed first half profit growth of 16% to $248.1 million. In addition, the fund manager is planning a 1 for 8 bonus issue of options to shareholders and considering a share buyback.

Inghams tumbles on half year results

The Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) share price is tumbling today following the release of its half year results. For the six months ended 31 December, the poultry producer reported a 5.9% increase in underlying net profit after tax to $39.7 million. This fell short of the consensus estimate of a net profit of $41.9 million. COVID-19 weighed heavily on its performance.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 has been the Magellan share price with a 15% gain following the release of its results. Going the other way, the QBE share price is the worst performer with an 11% decline after its full year earnings fell short of expectations.

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 6 March 2025

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Share Market News

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was another tough day for investors this Monday.

Read more »

Hand of a woman carrying a bag of money, representing the concept of saving money or earning dividends.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter names more of the best ASX 200 stocks to buy in April

Its analysts believe these shares 'offer attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long term.'

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
Opinions

Many ASX share prices are falling today. How do I decide what to buy?

April 2025 has started off roughly. What should we buy?

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
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these shares.

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why Capricorn, Nuix, Westpac, and Woodside shares are sinking today

These shares are starting the week deep in the red. But why?

Read more »

Ecstatic woman looking at her phone outside with her fist pumped.
Share Market News

Why Abacus, Cettire, Challenger, and Lynas shares are charging higher today

These shares are avoiding the market selloff on Monday.

Read more »

A woman sits on sofa pondering a question.
Broker Notes

Battle of the online classifieds: Should I buy Car Group or Seek shares?

Brokers rate both shares highly.

Read more »

5 arrows going down with a red background.
Share Fallers

11 popular ASX 200 shares crashing to multi-year lows amid market carnage

Bank shares, mining stocks, and technology stocks are among those crashing to multi-year lows today.

Read more »