ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Energy shares rise on oil price jump, Megaport sinks

The ASX 200 is having a decent day…

a woman checks her mobile phone against the background of illuminated share market boards with graphs and tables.

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 record a small gain. The benchmark index is currently up 0.2% to 7,267.4 points.

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

Energy shares rise

It has been a good day for energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) on Friday. They are on course to end the week on a high after oil prices surged higher overnight. Traders were bidding oil prices higher after the IEA warned that supply is expected to fall more than demand.

Megaport shares sink on chairman share selldown

The Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price is sinking on Friday after the network as a service provider revealed that its founder and chairman, Bevan Slattery, has offloaded 3 million shares. Mr Slattery sold the shares for a discount of $13.05 per share, which equates to a total consideration of approximately $39 million. The chairman advised that he remains confident on Megaport's future and was selling shares to fund other investments.

Zip shares jump

The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price has continued its recovery on Friday. The buy now pay later provider's shares have charged higher for a second day in a row. This is despite the rest of the tech sector having a subdued day. Investors appear to believe the Zip share price could have bottomed now.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Friday has been the Zip share price with a 5.5% gain on no news. Going the other way, the worst performer has been the Megaport share price with a 7% decline. This follows Bevan Slattery's $39 million share sale this morning.

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. owns and has recommended MEGAPORT FPO and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MEGAPORT 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 Market News

Mini house on a laptop.
Dividend Investing

Do ASX 200 dividend shares out-earn Aussie property?

We compare the forecast FY25 dividend yields of the top 10 ASX 200 companies to rental property yields.

Read more »

A fit woman in workout gear flexes her muscles with two bigger people flexing behind her, indicating growth.
Best Shares

Top ASX shares to buy with $500 in November 2024

$500 worth of ASX shares might not sound like a huge investment. But, to realise the benefits of compounding, you…

Read more »

A diverse group of people form a circle at a park and raise their arms together.
Share Market News

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors ended the trading week on a high note this Friday...

Read more »

Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Share Gainers

Why Catapult, De Grey Mining, Domino's, and Nufarm shares are charging higher

These shares are ending the week strongly. But why?

Read more »

A young woman holds an open book over her head with a round mouthed expression as if to say oops as she looks at her computer screen in a home office setting with a plant on the desk and shelves of books in the background.
Healthcare Shares

This ASX All Ords share is diving 18% as inflation pain draws blood

This healthcare company delivered a trading update at its annual general meeting today.

Read more »

Three analysts look at tech options on a wall screen
Technology Shares

Up 70%, is it too late to invest in Xero shares?

This ASX tech darling hit a new all-time share price record yesterday.

Read more »

A woman with a sad face looks to be receiving bad news on her phone as she holds it in her hands and looks down at it.
Share Fallers

Why Healius, Opthea, Peninsula Energy, and Wildcat shares are falling today

These shares are having a tough finish to the week. But why?

Read more »