Why is the Core Lithium share price tumbling 5% on Friday?

Core Lithium shares have been pounded lately. Here's why.

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Key points

  • Core Lithium shares sink 5.2% to $1.29 during late afternoon trade on Friday 
  • The company's shares are being impacted by the broader negative sentiment on the materials sector
  • Commodity prices have fallen heavily as a result of weakened demand from Chinese industries

The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price is powering down on Friday despite no announcements from the company.

At market open, shares in the lithium producer were in the green before quickly reversing their gains.

Currently, the Core Lithium share price is $1.29, down 5.2%.

Let's take a look at what could be driving the falling value of this ASX lithium share today.

Core Lithium shares suffer on Chinese woes

Investors are continuing to offload Core Lithium shares amid negative sentiment impacting the wider materials sector.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) is the worst performing sector across the ASX on Friday. It is deep in negative territory, down by 1.95% today, and 8.5% for the week.

As reported by Reuters, the ongoing crisis in China's property market and manufacturing industry is having a ripple effect across the globe.

At first, the country's COVID-19 restrictions stalled economic growth as hubs went into strict lockdown. However, this appears to be happening all over again as fresh outbreaks have occurred in key cities.

Furthermore, China's property woes along with weakened demand in the private sectors, and power shortages, are disrupting production.

In turn, this is putting pressure on commodity prices.

While the lithium price has remained stable for now, other commodities haven't been so fortunate with red across the board.

Both iron ore and copper prices have tanked 7% in the past week. Steel is down 5% and platinum is retracing 4%.

Nonetheless, it is evident that the world's second-largest economy is at risk of backtracking on GDP growth.

China experienced a slight increase in GDP by 0.4% in the second quarter from a year ago.

Where commodity prices go from here now all depends on China's next GDP data.

Core Lithium share price summary

Despite its recent falls, the Core Lithium share price has surged 265% higher over the past 12 months.

When looking at year to date, the shares are up 103%.

Based on today's price, Core Lithium commands a market capitalisation of approximately $2.35 billion.

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.

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