Why these 3 ASX 200 shares grabbed the Motley Fool's headlines this record-breaking week

With the ASX 200 hitting new record highs, there was plenty of action amongst the top stocks this week.

| More on:
Two men and woman sitting in subway train side by side, reading newspaper

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

There was plenty of competition amongst S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares to get into the Motley Fool's headlines this week. Especially with the benchmark index hitting new record highs on Monday and again on Friday.

Here's what saw these three large-cap stocks grab our attention.

ASX 200 shares grabbing the Motley Fool's headlines

The first ASX 200 share catching the Motley Fool's attention this week was lithium stock Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS).

Pilbara made headlines on Tuesday when shares in the lithium producer closed the day down 7.0%.

It wasn't just Pilbara shares under selling pressure on Tuesday. Most all ASX lithium stocks ended the day deep in the red.

This looks to have been driven by a 6.8% overnight decline in Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB). That fall came after the North American lithium giant announced it was issuing new shares to raise US$1.9 billion.

With lithium prices down some 80% from their peak, investors likely feared that lithium stocks like Pilbara might be next in line to announce a dilutive capital raise.

Which brings us to the second ASX 200 share leaping into the Motley Fool's headlines this week, UK-based banking stock Virgin Money UK (ASX: VUK).

Virgin Money made news on Friday after its shares soared more than 33%.

This came after the bank reported that it had received a potential cash takeover offer from Nationwide Building Society.

Based on Friday's exchange rates with the British pound, the offer values Virgin Money at $4.26 per share. That's almost 39% above Thursday's closing price.

Rounding off the list of ASX 200 shares that claimed the Motley Fool's headlines this week is mining giant BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

BHP made the news on 7 March when the miner's stock traded ex-dividend.

This saw the BHP share price close the day down 1.1%, as investors buying on the day were no longer eligible to receive the fully franked $1.10 interim dividend. Investors who owned BHP shares at market close on Wednesday can expect to see that cash payout hit their bank accounts on 28 March.

BHP, the biggest stock on the ASX 200, trades on a fully franked trailing yield of 5.4%

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 Share Market News

A young female investor sits in her home office looking at her ipad and smiling as she sees the QBE share price rising
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

A good finish to the week is expected for Aussie investors.

Read more »

A man has computer-generated images rushing through his head indicating an AI (Artificial Intelligence) concept of a communication network.
Technology Shares

ASX investors are obsessed with Nvidia shares! Here's why

The global chipmaker reported a 94% increase in annual revenue in the third quarter.

Read more »

A man wearing a red jacket and mountain hiking clothes stands at the top of a mountain peak and looks out over countless mountain ranges.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was another disappointing day for ASX investors this Thursday.

Read more »

two racing cars battle to take first place on a formula one track with one tailing the the leader and looking to overtake the car.
Opinions

Down 21% in 2024. This ASX 300 stock looks like a money-making monster

Profits are expected to plunge, but the future could still be bright.

Read more »

A businesswoman exhales a deep sigh after receiving bad news, and gets on with it.
52-Week Lows

Down 68% from highs, this ASX 200 stock just hit a 4-year low. Time to pounce?

Is this beaten down stock a buy? Let's see what one leading broker is saying.

Read more »

two men smiling with a laptop in front of them, symbolising a rising share price.
Share Gainers

Why Pinnacle, PWR, Race Oncology, and Vulcan shares are flying today

These shares are having a good session on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Accent, Sayona Mining, Web Travel, and Weebit Nano shares are dropping today

These shares are having a tough time on Thursday. Why are they being sold off?

Read more »

Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.
Share Market News

Insider buying alert: 3 ASX 200 shares directors are snapping up right now

Directors in some of Australia's blue-chip businesses aren't shying away from the market.

Read more »