Why has the CSL share price lagged the ASX 200 over the past week?

CSL shares have been treading lower of late…

| More on:
A scientist examining test results.

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

Key points

  • CSL shares have shed 1.48% over the past week
  • Investors seemed to have turned their attention to the rising ASX 300 Metals & Mining sector following a commodity boom in recent times
  • CSL previously advised that the Vifor Pharma acquisition is expected to be delayed by a few months

The CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price has edged 1.48% lower since this time last week.

While the global biotech hasn't released any market sensitive news in that time, investors have been offloading the company's shares.

CSL shares closed a further 0.73% down on Monday at $273.15 each.

What's weighing down CSL shares lately?

A couple of factors are playing against CSL shares for the moment as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to subside.

First and foremost, the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care index (ASX: XHJ) has reversed its gains over the past week, down 0.3%. The index closed another 0.16% lower today.

Investors appear to have focused their efforts on better performing ASX sectors such as the S&P/ASX 300 Metals & Mining (ASX: XMM) index. This consists of the top 300 ASX companies that are involved with gold, steel, and precious metals.

For context, the Metals & Mining sector has soared 5.96% from this time last Monday.

And it's no surprise that commodity prices have skyrocketed, given the war in Ukraine and inflationary movements.

Market psychology can be a powerful force when crowd behaviour chases market rallies or selloffs during downturns.

Another factor that has led CSL shares to fall is the delay to complete the acquisition of Vifor Pharma.

Originally, the deal was due to be wrapped up by June 2022. However, receiving regulatory approvals is taking a little longer.

As such, CSL now expects the takeover to be finalised within the next few months.

CSL share price snapshot

Uncharacteristically, it has been a turbulent year for CSL shareholders, recording a loss of 4% over the last 12 months.

Year to date has not fared any better with the company's shares down 6%.

Based on valuation grounds, CSL commands a market capitalisation of roughly $131.5 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL Ltd. 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Healthcare Shares

A man wearing a white coat holds his hands up and mouth open with joy.
Healthcare Shares

ASX All Ords stock rockets 18% on FDA clearance

This stock is making very healthy returns on US news.

Read more »

rising medical asx share price represented by excited doctors dancing in ward
Healthcare Shares

Up 77% in a month! What's going on with the Mesoblast share price?

This stock has blown the lights out in recent weeks...

Read more »

Teamwork, planning and meeting with doctors and laptop for medical, review and healthcare. Medicine, technology and internet with group of people for collaboration, diversity and support in hospital
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX healthcare stock is up 31% on big news

What is getting investors excited on Tuesday? Let's find out.

Read more »

Portrait, confidence and team of doctors in the hospital standing after a consultation or surgery. Success, healthcare and group of professional medical workers in collaboration at a medicare clinic.
Healthcare Shares

Healthy gains: 5 best ASX 200 healthcare shares of 2024

Four of the five best-performing ASX 200 healthcare stocks of 2024 more than doubled in value.

Read more »

Scientists working in the laboratory and examining results.
Healthcare Shares

Why did the CSL share price go backwards in 2024?

CSL shares closed out 2024 in the red. But why?

Read more »

Two lab workers fist pump each other.
Healthcare Shares

Guess which All Ords ASX healthcare stock just surged 11% on FDA news

Investors are sending the ASX healthcare stock soaring on Monday.

Read more »

Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX small cap stock is jumping on 'significant milestone'

This stock is ending the week in style. Let's see what is giving its shares a boost today.

Read more »

Healthcare Shares

Are CSL and this ASX 200 healthcare stock buys in January?

Is now a good time to pick up these shares? Let's see what analysts are saying.

Read more »