At lunch on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week on a subdued note. The benchmark index is currently down 0.1% to 7,328.8 points.
Here’s what is happening on the ASX 200 today:
Rio Tinto Q2 update disappoints
The Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price is trading lower today following the release of an underwhelming second quarter update. According to the release, Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore production came in 9% lower year on year at 75.9 million tonnes. This reduction was driven by inclement weather and shutdowns. Also falling were its iron ore shipments, which were down 12% due to COVID-19 restrictions and a tight labour market. As a result, full year shipments are expected to be at the low end of its guidance range. Its cost guidance has been increased.
Evolution shares sink
The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price is tumbling lower following the release of an update on its production and growth plans. The gold miner’s production came in at 681,000 ounces with an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of A$1,215 per ounce in FY 2021. While this was in line with its original guidance, it fell short of the upgraded guidance given in April of 695,000 to 710,000 ounces.
Tech shares weigh on ASX 200
The Australian tech sector is weighing on the ASX 200 on Friday. The likes of Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) and Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) are trading notably lower and are dragging the S&P ASX All Technology index 0.5% lower. This follows a poor night of trade on the tech-focused Nasdaq index overnight, which tumbled 0.7%.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers
The best performer on the ASX 200 on Friday is the Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price with a 4.5% gain. This morning the Bell Potter retained its buy rating and lifted its price target on the coal miner’s shares to $2.50. This follows the release of a solid fourth quarter update. The worst performer on the ASX 200 has been the Evolution share price with a 5% decline following its production miss.
The post ASX 200 midday update: Rio Tinto update disappoints, Evolution sinks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
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More reading
- Evolution (ASX:EVN) share price slides 5% despite revealing major growth plans
- Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) share price lower on Q2 update
- These 3 ASX 200 tech shares are down more than 4% this week
- 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
- ASX 200 drops, Woodside down, Sezzle rises
Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO and Altium. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO and Altium. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.
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