Why is the Piedmont Lithium share price plunging 10% today?

This is what appears to be driving Piedmont shares lower on Monday…

| More on:

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
  • Piedmont shares fall 10% to 81 cents in late afternoon trade
  • The company's shares have accelerated in the past month, rising from 48.5 cents to a high of 95.5 cents on 17 August
  • Investors appear to be taking some profit after Piedmont shares were in overbought territory the last few days

The Piedmont Lithium Inc (ASX: PLL) share price is crashing back down to earth after rocketing 85% in the past month.

At the time of writing, shares in the Australian lithium miner are down 10% to 81 cents.

Despite the heavy fall, its shares are still up 48% in a month.

Let's look at what could be driving the fall in the company's share price.

Man in suit plummets downwards in sky.

Image source: Getty Images

What's happened to Piedmont shares?

Investors are offloading Piedmont shares in droves following a mixed session across the lithium space.

Shares in Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA) and Lake Resources NL (ASX: LKE) are up 2.78% and 1.65%, respectively.

However, other lithium shares such as Global Lithium Resources Ltd (ASX: GL1) and Li-S Energy Ltd (ASX: LIS) are down 6.56% and 5.39%, respectively.

Piedmont hasn't reported anything today that would explain why its shares have fallen so sharply.

However, given the sudden acceleration in the past month, there were a few indicators that its shares were overbought.

For example, the relative strength index (RSI) touched 82 on 17 August – just before sellers swung into action.

The RSI is a momentum oscillator that is used to assess the strength or weakness of a share price. Normal levels range between 30 and 70, but anything outside this tells us if the share price is cheap or expensive.

Furthermore, the Piedmont share price was outside the Bollinger Bands. This works well in conjunction with the RSI, which gives oversold or overbought signals of the share.

Piedmont share price summary

Despite the recent fall, the Piedmont share price is up 10% in 2022.

When looking at the longer term, the company's shares are ahead by 18% over the past 12 months.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has tumbled 5% in 2022, and since this time last year.

Based on today's price, Piedmont presides a market capitalisation of roughly $474.81 million.

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 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

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face.
Materials Shares

Which ASX mining stock could rise 120% according to a leading broker?

Bell Potter thinks this mining stock could be seriously undervalued.

Read more »

Male building supervisor stands and smiles with his arms crossed at a building site with workers behind him.
Materials Shares

Down 25%! Is this resurgent ASX 200 stock a strong buy?

Analysts at Morgans see more than 60% upside ahead.

Read more »

A man wearing a suit holds his arms aloft, attached to a large lithium battery with green charging symbols on it.
Materials Shares

Should I buy PLS Group shares in April?

Can the ASX lithium share continue charging higher?

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Materials Shares

Why is this ASX rare earths share sinking 13% today?

What's going on with this share today? Let's dig deeper into things.

Read more »

A construction worker leaps high in the air on a building site.
Materials Shares

Why are James Hardie shares storming higher today?

After a steep sell-off, investors may start to see strength and long-term potential.

Read more »

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

Which ASX rare earths company's shares are trading higher on new funding news?

Two major government finance agencies have signed on.

Read more »

A man sitting at his dining table looks at his laptop and ponders the share price.
Materials Shares

ASX lithium shares 'compelling' as top broker adjusts ratings

UBS predicts the global oil shock caused by the war in Iran will drive higher demand for electric vehicles.

Read more »

Three workers jump in the air at a steel factory.
Materials Shares

This ASX steel stock is unlocking hidden value. So why is it falling today?

BlueScope shares fall after an update on surplus land developments.

Read more »