ASX 200 midday update: Qantas' market update, lithium shares rebound

The ASX 200 is ending the week positively…

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 on a positive note. The benchmark index is currently up 0.25% to 6,544.6 points.

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

Man looks shocked as he works on laptop on top a skyscraper with stockmarket figures in graphic behind him.

Image source: Getty Images

Qantas market update

The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price is trading higher today after the airline operator released a market update. That update reveals that Qantas is on track to achieve second half underlying EBITDA of between $450 million to $550 million. Management also advised that it is cutting domestic capacity to help offset rising fuel costs.

Lithium miners rally

The lithium industry is rebounding on Friday with strong gains being recorded from the likes of Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE) and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS). This follows news that lithium developer Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) has received an investment from a major automaker at a massive 32% premium to its last close price.

Tech shares rebound

Also performing strongly today has been the tech sector. A number of beaten down tech shares are rebounding such as Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) and even the unloved Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP). This has led to the S&P ASX All Technology index rise 4.4% at the time of writing.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Friday has been the Lake Resources share price with a 20% gain. This follows a rebound in the lithium industry after some very big falls this week. Going the other way, the worst performer has been the Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price with a 3.5% decline on no news.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360, Inc. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, Inc. and ZIPCOLTD FPO. 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 Share Market News

Coal miner standing in a coal mine.
Energy Shares

ASX 200 coal stock higher on US$2.4 billion deal

The company has agreed to pay up to US$2.4 billion for an 80% stake in a major coal mine.

Read more »

Two excited woman pointing out a bargain opportunity on a laptop.
Share Market News

Will these top-performing ASX stocks keep charging higher?

Can these shares keep going?

Read more »

I young woman takes a bite out of a burrito n the street outside a Mexican fast-food establishment.
Share Market News

3 discounted ASX 200 shares to buy before they rebound 

These three stocks appear to be undervalued right now.

Read more »

Young businessman lost in depression on stairs.
Share Fallers

What's going on with the DroneShield share price?

The drone operator's share price outperformed in March, but has now crashed again.

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.
Share Market News

These ASX shares look too good to ignore after the recent pullback

Have these shares been left in the bargain bin after recent weakness? Let's find out.

Read more »

A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.
Broker Notes

Why this surging ASX All Ords gold stock is tipped to rocket another 79%

A leading broker forecasts more outsized gains from this fast-rising ASX gold stock. But why?

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Another good session is expected for Aussie investors today.

Read more »

A group of people in suits and hard hats celebrate the rising share price with champagne.
Resources Shares

Up 67% in a year! The red-hot South32 share price is smashing BHP, Rio and Fortescue

Here's why I think the miner could outpace some of its peers in 2026.

Read more »