The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is fighting hard to stay in positive territory. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.1% to 7,315.2 points.
Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are dropping:
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29Metals Ltd (ASX: 29M)
The 29Metals share price is down almost 6% to $1.45. Investors have been selling this copper miner's shares after it revealed that all production and non-essential activity has been suspended at Capricorn Copper following extremely heavy rainfall on 7 March. Management estimates that the suspension may continue for a period of up to three-to-four weeks.
BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)
The BHP share price is down 2.5% to $46.51. This has been driven by the mining giant's shares trading ex-dividend this morning for its latest dividend. The Big Australian is paying a fully franked interim dividend of 130.6 cents per share. Eligible shareholders can look forward to receiving this on 30 March.
Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI)
The Helia share price has crashed 15% to $2.90. Helia, which is the new name of Genworth Mortgage Insurance, is also trading ex-dividend on Thursday. Last month, it declared total fully franked dividends of 41 cents per share. This comprises a final dividend of 14 cents per share and a special dividend of 27 cents per share. These will be paid to shareholders on 24 March.
Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)
The Rio Tinto share price is down 2.5% to $121.67. This is also due to the miner's shares going ex-dividend on Thursday. Rio Tinto will be paying its 326.5 cents per share fully franked final dividend to eligible shareholders next month on 20 April.
