Why has the BHP share price bolted out the gates on Monday?

We take a look at why BHP is having a top run today

| 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

Key points
  • BHP shares are up 2.80% near the close of trade today 
  • Rio and Fortescue shares are also lifting higher 
  • The iron ore price is continuing to lift 

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has charged higher today.

BHP shares are up 2.80% near the close, trading at $47.00 after hitting a high of $47.25 earlier this afternoon. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is also in the green, up 0.53% at the time of writing.

Shares in BHP have lifted today, but the company is not the only ASX mining share in the green. The RIO Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price is up 3.60% today, while Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares are soaring 7.77%.

Let's take a look at what is going on with the BHP share price.

happy mining worker fortescue share price

Image source: Getty Images

What's going on?

BHP is a major iron ore producer. The company also explores copper, nickel, potash and metallurgical coal.

The company's share price momentum today follows a 4.2% lift in iron ore futures in the United States on Friday to US$107.44 a tonne. Overall, iron ore surged 15.9% last week.

Iron ore futures on the Singapore Exchange are currently up 1.96% to US$108 per tonne.

Commenting on the iron ore price, ANZ head of economics David Plank said in a research note that iron ore was "buoyed by China's moves to support the property sector". He added:

These measures should have a better chance of developing into stronger demand for steel and iron ore.

Meanwhile, BHP provided a non-price-sensitive update on an English High Court case today. BHP has filed a defence against a group action claim seeking damages for alleged losses related to the Fundao Dam collapse in 2015. BHP denies the claims in their entirety.

Share price snapshot

The BHP share price has soared 31% in the last 12 months, while it has gained nearly 28% year to date.

For perspective, the ASX 200 has returned 1.37% in the last year.

BHP has a market capitalisation of around $238 billion based on the current share price.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea 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 Materials Shares

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX All Ords share is rocketing 20% on lithium battery news

Not all shares have been caught up in the market selloff.

Read more »

Female miner smiling in front of a mining vehicle as the Pilbara Minerals share price rises
Materials Shares

Down 24% in a month, is the Pilbara Minerals share price now a bargain buy?

Could this be a lithium lover's delight or are Pilbara shares fraught with danger?

Read more »

Female ASX travel shares investor with surprised expression drinks a cup of tea while reading the newspaper at her desk
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX lithium share turned one sceptic into a bona fide believer

Green lithium extraction has changed the position of this lithium boom critic.

Read more »

Two male ASX 200 analysts stand in an office looking at various computer screens showing share prices
Broker Notes

Arafura stock sell-off continues, broker tips 35% upside

Recent weakness could be a buying opportunity for investors according to one broker.

Read more »

A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.
Materials Shares

Piedmont Lithium shares: 150% upside or big short opportunity?

Investors will need to wade through the muck to determine if Piedmont Lithium shares are a good buy right now.…

Read more »

Happy man holding Australian dollar notes, representing dividends.
Dividend Investing

How to generate $20k of passive income from BHP shares

BHP could provide investors with a big pay check in 2023.

Read more »

shocked man with hands over his face with a declining graph in background representing falling CleanSpace share price
Materials Shares

Lynas share price resets 52-week low twice in one week

March has been a shocker for this ASX rare earths share.

Read more »

Female worker sitting desk with head in hand and looking fed up
Materials Shares

Piedmont Lithium share price sinks following short attack response

Piedmont Lithium has responded to a short seller attack on Friday.

Read more »