Why are ASX 200 resources shares booming again on Friday?

The price of iron ore has rebounded and ASX 200 resource shares are reaping the benefits

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

It's a good day on the ASX to be a resource investor. The S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index (ASX: XJR) is booming, having gained 2.3% at the time of writing.

For context the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up as well, having increased by 0.93%. Meanwhile, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is also up 0.93%.

Let's take a look at what's excited the market over ASX 200 resources shares on Friday.

A man in a hard hat puts his finger up to say 'number one' in front of an oil mine

Image source: Getty Images

What's boosting the sector on Friday?

There are a few interlinking happenings that are likely favourably impacting the ASX's resource sector.

Firstly – and, perhaps, most importantly – the price of iron ore rebounded overnight.

According to CommSec, while most of Australia slept, the spot price of iron ore surged 5.3% to US$94.20 a tonne.

The resurgence in the steelmaking commodity's price was due to Chinese developer, China Evergrande Group (HKG: 3333).

The now-infamous developer reportedly managed to stay afloat by making interest payments on 3 bond tranches worth US$148 million.

As The Motley Fool has previously reported, the Evergrande saga has likely spurred concerns about the future of Chinese property developers.

Unsurprisingly, the nation's building industry is a big consumer of steel, thus, demanding plenty of iron ore.

Which ASX 200 resource shares are soaring?

The biggest mover among the ASX 200 resources sector by far is Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR). Its share price has gained 5.3% so far this Friday.

Taking out second and third place is Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO), having both gained 3.8% at the time of writing.

Rio Tinto's fellow iron ore giants are also performing well.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has gained 3%. Meanwhile, that of Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) is up 3.6%.

However, there are a few sector participants in the red today. Notable fallers include Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC). Its share price is currently down 0.6%.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Bruce Jackson.

More on Resources Shares

Two miners standing together with a smile on their faces.
Resources Shares

These are the best ASX 200 mining shares to buy in March: Morgans

These mining shares are on Morgans' best ideas list in March.

Read more »

A man in his 30s holds his laptop and operates it with his other hand as he has a look of pleasant surprise on his face as though he is learning something new or finding hidden value in something on the screen.
Resources Shares

Rio Tinto share price dips despite copper mega-mine milestone

Rio Tinto owns 66% of what will soon become the world's fourth-largest copper mine.

Read more »

Miner looking at his notes.
ESG

'Not sure if that's the way we should go': Why BHP shares are making news today

BHP is trialling renewable diesel made from Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) at its Western Australian Yandi iron ore mine.

Read more »

A young woman sits at her desk in deep contemplation with her hand to her chin while seriously considering information she is reading on her laptop
Resources Shares

Are Fortescue shares back on the menu amid job cuts?

Can cost reductions be the key to driving Fortescue ahead?

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

Could buying Fortescue shares at under $22 make me rich?

The iron ore miner Fortescue has seen volatility. Is it time to buy?

Read more »

Australian Strategic Materials employee wearing a hard hat at a mine looks into the distance as he checks a folder.
Resources Shares

Sayona Mining share price dumps 6% amid lithium lows

Lithium prices have fallen to their lowest level in more than a year.

Read more »

Rede arrow on a stock market chart going down.
Resources Shares

Why are ASX 200 lithium shares falling so hard today?

The lithium carbonate price has fallen to its lowest level in more than a year.

Read more »

A young man sits at his desk with a laptop and documents with a gas heater visible behind him as though he is considering the information in front of him. about the BHP share price
Resources Shares

Why is the BHP share price taking a flogging on Friday?

The commodity growth engine may not be firing on all cylinders.

Read more »