Why are ASX 200 mining stocks having such a shocking end to the week?

After the last month's falls, ASX 200 mining stocks are starting to look like ever better bargains.

| More on:
Three miners stand together at a mine site studying documents with equipment in the background

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

Key points

  • ASX 200 mining stocks are in the red today
  • The miners are under pressure following a big drop in iron ore and copper prices
  • Current demand from Chinese factories is lower than the markets had priced in earlier this year

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining stocks are having a day to forget today.

In afternoon trade the ASX 200 is down 0.2%.

But the big mining shares are falling a lot harder, as witnessed by the 1.4% decline in the S&P/ASX 200 Resource Index (ASX: XJR).

Here is how the top ASX mining stocks are tracking:

  • Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares are down 1.8%
  • BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are down 1.6%
  • Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares are down 1.5%

So, why such a dour end to the trading week?

ASX 200 mining stocks tumble alongside iron ore and copper

All of the above ASX 200 mining stocks derive the majority of their revenue from iron ore.

Copper also adds a significant amount of revenue for the miners.

And the price of both metals took another steep fall overnight.

The iron ore price dropped a precipitous 5.2% to US$97.90 per tonne. That's at a new six-month low. And it puts the iron ore price down 27% since 15 March.

That's the lowest price for the industrial metal since mid-November. And it was only on 15 March that iron ore was trading for just US$134.04 per tonne.

As you'd expect, the ASX 200 mining stocks have also seen their share prices drop over that period.

As for copper, the red metal fell 3.7% overnight to US$8,163.50 per tonne. Copper hasn't dropped as quickly as iron ore but is now down 10% since mid-March.

The price of both metals has come off the boil over the past weeks amid weaker-than-forecast demand from China.

The sluggish pace of China's reopening, according to analysts at Citi could see the iron ore price slide to US$90 per tonne before finding support.

Another 9% drop in iron ore from here would throw up some unwelcome headwinds for the ASX 200 mining stocks.

But on the plus side, they're looking like ever better bargains after the last month's sell-off.

Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Resources Shares

A mining worker wearing a white hardhat and a high vis vest stands on a platform overlooking a huge mine, thinking about what comes next.
Dividend Investing

BHP shares have fallen out of the global top 20 dividend payers. Here's why

Global dividends continue to climb.

Read more »

Miner standing in front of a vehicle at a mine site.
Resources Shares

Is the worst now over for Mineral Resources shares?

What's next for the miner?

Read more »

A miner holding a hard hat stands in the foreground of an open cut mine
Resources Shares

A close look at BHP shares. What is the mining giant's next move?

Let's take stock of what the experts think.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Short bets on Pilbara Minerals shares are declining. Is now the time to buy?

Could the trade be unwinding?

Read more »

two men in hard hats and high visibility jackets look together at a laptop screen that one of the men in holding at a mine site.
Resources Shares

'I hate what I have done': Mineral Resources share price down as Ellison laments actions

Managing Director Chris Ellison says he deeply regrets the impact of his 'error of judgement'.

Read more »

A man in shirt and tie uses his mobile phone under water.
Resources Shares

The Lake Resources share price is sinking yet again. Here's why

The longer-term downtrend continues.

Read more »

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

With a P/E ratio of 6, is the Fortescue share price a bargain?

Let’s dig into whether Fortescue shares are good value or not, in my eyes.

Read more »

A man wearing a hard hat and high visibility vest looks out over a vast plain where heavy mining equipment can be seen in the background.
Resources Shares

Down 15% this year, where's the next stop for Rio Tinto shares?

Where to next for the miner?

Read more »