ASX 200 midday update: PointsBet jumps, energy shares sink, Vicinity's upgrade

The ASX 200 is having a poor start to the week…

Woman looking at a phone with stock market bars in the background.

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 Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has given back its early gains and dropped deep into the red. The benchmark index is currently down 0.8% to 6,424.6 points.

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

PointsBet's strategic investment

The PointsBet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price is surging higher today. This follows news that the sports betting company has received a major strategy investment. SIG Sports Investment Corp has invested $94.16 million into PointsBet via a placement of shares at a 13% premium to its last close price. This makes SIG Sports Investment Corp the company's largest shareholder with a 12.8% stake.

Energy shares tumble

One area of the market that is struggling today is the energy sector. The likes of Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) are taking a tumble after oil prices sank on Friday night. Traders were selling down oil prices amid concerns that a potential global recession could weigh on demand.

Vicinity upgrades guidance

The Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX) share price is charging higher today after the shopping centre operator upgraded its guidance. Vicinity now expects funds from operations to be at or above 12.6 cents per security in FY 2022. This compares to its previous guidance of 11.8 cents to 12.6 cents. Management stated that this "reflects the sustained strength of retail sales and improved negotiation outcomes with retailers."

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Monday has been the PointsBet share price with an 11% gain. This follows SIG's major investment in the sports betting company. Going the other way, the worst performer has been the Silver Lake Resources Limited (ASX: SLR) share price with an 8.5% decline. This follows heavy declines in the gold sector.

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 positions in and has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Happy young couple saving money in piggy bank.
Opinions

Want to start investing in ASX shares? Here's what I'd buy

This is where I’d begin to put my money in the stock market.

Read more »

A female ASX investor looks through a magnifying glass that enlarges her eye and holds her hand to her face with her mouth open as if looking at something of great interest or surprise.
Broker Notes

3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy in 2025

Let's see why analysts at Bell Potter are bullish on these shares next year.

Read more »

People of different ethnicities in a room taking a big selfie, symbolising diversification.
Opinions

Want diversification? Get it instantly with these ASX 200 shares

Some businesses offer a lot more diversification than others.

Read more »

A happy man and woman on a computer at Christmas, indicating a positive trend for retail shares.
Opinions

2 ASX 200 shares I'd want to receive as a present today

Merry Christmas! Are there any stocks under your tree?

Read more »

a young woman raises her hands in joyful celebration as she sits at her computer in a home environment.
Share Gainers

Why Avita Medical, GenusPlus, Mesoblast, and Polynovo shares are storming higher

These shares are having a better day than most today. But why?

Read more »

Three guys in shirts and ties give the thumbs down.
Share Fallers

Why Charter Hall Retail, DroneShield, FBR, and St Barbara shares are tumbling today

These shares are having a tough time on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.
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 stocks.

Read more »

A female broker in a red jacket whispers in the ear of a man who has a surprised look on his face as she explains which two ASX 200 shares should do well in today's volatile climate
Broker Notes

2 of the best ASX shares to buy in 2025

Bell Potter is feeling bullish on these shares as the new year approaches.

Read more »