At lunch on Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is fighting hard to remain in positive territory. The benchmark index is currently up by 1.5 points to 7,511.9 points.
Here’s what is happening on the ASX 200 today:
ASX 200 bank shares largely positive
Three of the big four banks are doing their best to drive the ASX 200 higher today. Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) shares are the only one in the group that are not pushing higher. The best performer among the big four has been the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price with a gain of 0.6%.
Shares fall after going ex-dividend
A number of ASX 200 dividend shares are in the red today after going ex-dividend this morning for their latest distributions. This includes property companies Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) and Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR), and toll road operator Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). All three will be paying their dividends to eligible shareholders in February.
Sandfire’s MATSA acquisition update
The Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) share price is pushing higher today after its proposed acquisition of MATSA took a step closer to completion. This morning the copper miner revealed that the Foreign Investment Authority and Competition Authority in Spain has approved the US$1,865 million acquisition of the MATSA Mining Complex.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers
The best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday has been the Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) share price with a gain of almost 4%. Bell Potter recently named the food company as one of its top picks of 2022. The worst performer has been the IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) share price with a 4% decline. Omicron concerns could be weighing on this language testing and student placement company’s shares.
The post ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: CBA rises, Sandfire’s MATSA update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
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More reading
- Why are Transurban (ASX:TCL), Dexus, and Mirvac shares tumbling?
- Why Anteotech, Bega Cheese, Humm, and Syrah shares are racing higher
- 3 fantastic ASX 200 shares to buy in 2022
- Insiders have been buying Nuix (ASX:NXL) and this ASX share
- 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
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 and has recommended Idp Education Pty Ltd. 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.
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