Why has the Pilbara Minerals share price shot up 5% today?

Let's find out.

| More on:
Man pointing at a blue rising share price graph.

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

It's been a very bumpy day of trading for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) so far this Wednesday. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is up by just 0.13% after swinging between gains and losses all trading day. But it's been a far better time for the Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price.

Pilbara shares are having a corker of a day today. This ASX 200 lithium stock is currently enjoying a 4.91% surge to $2.35 a share after closing at $2.24 a share yesterday. Not only that, but Pilbara is also the ASX 200's most traded share by volume so far this Wednesday, as we covered this afternoon.

So what's behind this market-beating performance from Pilbara?

Why is the Pilbara share price having such a corker today?

Well, unfortunately for lovers of certainty, we don't exactly know. There hasn't been any news or announcements out of Pilbara today. Or indeed this week. 

However, we are seeing something of a trend emerge on the ASX today. It's not just Pilbara shares that are outperforming the market. It's been a fairly successful day for many of Pilbara's peers in the ASX lithium stock space.

Take the Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price. It's currently up a healthy 1.17% at 86 cents per share. Or Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR). Liontown shares are up 0.75% at 94 cents each. 

Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE), formerly known as Orocobre, is also enjoying a 1.5% boost. Topping all of these shares is the Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price, which has gained an impressive 7.06% so far today to $5.61 a share.

So clearly investors are in the mood for buying ASX lithium shares today. This appears to be the most likely reason why the Pilbara share price has enjoyed such a positive trading day this Wednesday.

At the current Pilbara Minerals share price, this ASX 200 lithium stock has a market capitalisation of $7 billion, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 83.33. 

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 Materials Shares

smiling worker stands before power generator technology
Materials Shares

Fortescue shares jump 5% on record performance

This mining giant was in fine form during the quarter.

Read more »

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.
Materials Shares

Should you buy Pilbara Minerals shares today?

Let's see if analysts think investors should be buying the lithium giant's shares.

Read more »

Image of young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Materials Shares

Expert says this ASX mining stock could rise almost 30%

Let's see which miner is being tipped as a buy for investors right now.

Read more »

a mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.
Materials Shares

BHP shares charge higher on record copper and iron ore production

Let's see how the miner performed during the fourth quarter.

Read more »

A man stands with hands on hips surveying construction of three high-rise buildings.
Materials Shares

Building activity on the rise – will ASX materials shares benefit?

New data from the March quarter shows a sharp rise in building activity. 

Read more »

Man smiling at a laptop because of a rising share price.
Materials Shares

Macquarie predicts 11% upside for this ASX materials stock

Here's why the broker is positive on the stock.

Read more »

Miner and company person analysing results of a mining company.
Materials Shares

Rio Tinto share price falls on Q2 update

Let's see what the mining giant reported for the second quarter.

Read more »

a man in a hard hat and high visibility vest smiles as he stands in the foreground of heavy mining equipment on a mine site.
Materials Shares

Could these 3 ASX materials shares be set to double?

This broker has buy ratings and aggressive price targets for these holdings. 

Read more »