ASX 200 midday update: Energy shares drop, PointsBet jumps

The ASX 200 is having a tough day on Thursday…

A group of market analysts sit and stand around their computers in an open-plan office environment. The central figures are deep in thought about Megaport's recent earnings release

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 Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record another decline. The benchmark index is currently down 0.8% to 6,645.2 points.

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

Energy shares drop

The energy sector is weighing on the ASX 200 index on Thursday. The likes of Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) are tumbling following a pullback in oil prices overnight. This was driven by fears that a recession could lessen demand for oil. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy index is down 1.7% at the time of writing.

CSR announces share buyback

The CSR Limited (ASX: CSR) share price is trading lower today despite the company announcing a share buyback. The building products company is planning to return $100 million to shareholders via an on-market buyback. CSR notes that its strong balance sheet has positioned it to repurchase shares. A broker downgrade by Ord Minnett to "hold" appears to be offsetting this positive news.

OZ Minerals upgraded

The OZ Minerals Limited (ASX: OZL) share price is pushing higher today. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of UBS. This morning the broker upgraded the company's shares to a buy rating with a $23.65 price target. It believes that OZ Minerals' shares have dropped to an attractive level for investors to invest.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday has been the Pointsbet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price with a 12% gain. This is despite there being no news out of the sports betting company. Going the other way, the worst performer has been the Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN) share price with a 6% decline. This is likely to have been driven by a pullback in coal prices overnight.

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

A golfer celebrates a good shot at the tee, indicating success.
Share Market News

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors finally enjoyed a win this Thursday...

Read more »

a man sits back from his laptop computer with both hands behind his head feeling happy to see the Brambles share price moving significantly higher today
Industrials Shares

Up 39% in a year, is there more growth to come for this ASX 200 share?

IML Equity Analyst Josh Freiman shares his views on a major ASX 200 industrial stock.

Read more »

Man looking at his grocery receipt, symbolising inflation.
Share Market News

What the latest US inflation print means for ASX 200 investors

The ASX 200 is likely to benefit if the US Fed cuts interest rates again in December. But will it?

Read more »

guy helping girl invest in shares and dividends
Opinions

5 ways for investors buying ASX shares to stay focused during economic uncertainty

AMP Chief Economist, Dr Shane Oliver, offers advice on how to handle the Trump factor.

Read more »

A worried man holds his head and look at his computer.
Share Fallers

Why Graincorp, Light & Wonder, Orica, and Wildcat shares are falling today

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

Read more »

A young women pumps her fists in excitement after seeing some good news on her laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Catapult, Flight Centre, Nufarm, and Xero shares are storming higher today

These shares are having a strong session on Thursday. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
Opinions

1 ASX growth stock down 30% I'd buy right now

This international business is growing core earnings at a strong rate.

Read more »

Concept image of a man in a suit with his chest on fire.
Record Highs

How long can the CBA share price keep this up?

Australia's biggest bank is running hot. Does it make any sense?

Read more »