It's been a great week so far for the Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) share price

Shares in the travel agency group have been flying recently. We take a closer look

| 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

The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price has had a great week thus far. In the past 7 days, shares in the travel agency group have climbed more than 5% higher.

By comparison, the S&P/ASX200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen 1.3% during the same week.  

Let's take a look at what's been propelling the Flight Centre share price.

A woman smiles as she crosses the tarmac, happy to be boarding a plane at the airport and travelling again.

Image source: Getty Images

What's been fuelling the Flight Centre share price?

Flight Centre has not released any price-sensitive news in the past week to explain the bullish price action.

However, shares in the travel agency group have been on the receiving end of positive coverage from brokers.

Leading broker Credit Suisse released a bullish note earlier this week that painted a positive outlook on the Flight Centre share price. Analysts upgraded the company's shares to an outperform rating with an improved price target of $19.00.

The note cited several reasons for the positive outlook, including Australia's COVID-19 vaccine rollout and recovery in the travel sector. Analysts also highlighted the resilience of Flight Centre's corporate business.

In addition to a strong week, shares in Flight Centre have also had a stellar month, up by more than 21%.

More on Flight Centre

There have been several catalysts that have helped propel the Flight Centre share price higher in the past month.

Shares in the travel agency group have been boosted by the possibility of domestic and international travel resuming in the near future.

In addition, Flight Centre recently announced expansion plans earlier this month.

The company announced plans to launch its travel management business in Japan via a joint venture with Tokyo-based NSF Engagement Corporation.

It's also important for investors to note that securities in Flight Centre remain one of the most shorted companies on the exchange.

According to the most recent data, shares in the travel agency group have a short interest of 10.1%.

As a result, some of the bullish price action could potentially be short-sellers covering their positions.

Snapshot of the Flight Centre share price

Despite the Delta outbreak of COVID-19 and broader travel restrictions, shares in Flight Centre have jumped more than 13% higher in 2021.

However, much of these gains have come over the past 3 weeks.

At the time of writing, shares in Flight Centre are strongly in the green today, up 1.35% to $17.96.

Motley Fool contributor Nikhil Gangaram 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 recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Gainers

a young woman raises her hands in joyful celebration as she sits at her computer in a home environment.
Share Gainers

Why Kingsgate, Neuren, Newcrest, and Pushpay shares are rising today

These ASX shares are avoiding the market selloff on Tuesday.

Read more »

A young woman wearing overalls and a yellow t-shirt kicks one leg in the air showing excitement over the latest ASX 200 shares to hit 52-week highs
Share Gainers

Why Neuren, Northern Star, Race Oncology, and Westgold shares are storming higher

These ASX shares are starting the week in a positive fashion.

Read more »

A woman wearing yellow smiles and drinks coffee while on laptop.
Share Gainers

Why APM, Macquarie Telecom, Northern Star, and Origin shares are rising today

These ASX shares are having a strong session despite the market selloff.

Read more »

Two boys with cardboard rockets strapped to their backs, indicating two ASX companies with rocketing share prices
Share Gainers

Catch these fast-rising 2 ASX shares before it's too late: Celeste

This pair of stocks rocketed up in February during reporting season, but are still great value for those willing to…

Read more »

three businessmen high five each other outside an office building with graphic images of graphs and metrics superimposed on the shot.
Share Gainers

Why Arafura, Myer, Volpara, and Xero shares are zooming higher

These ASX shares are making their shareholders smile on Thursday.

Read more »

medical asx share price represented by doctor giving thumbs up
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX biotech stock just rocketed 29% on big FDA news

The ASX healthcare share is attracting investor interest following FDA approval for its targeted cancer therapy compound.

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Share Gainers

Why Mesoblast, PolyNovo, Pushpay, and Weebit Nano shares are charging higher

These ASX shares are having a strong session despite the market selloff.

Read more »

a young woman raises her hands in joyful celebration as she sits at her computer in a home environment.
Share Gainers

Why InvoCare, Pentanet, Sayona Mining, and Weebit Nano shares are storming higher

These ASX shares are having a strong session on Tuesday.

Read more »