Why QBE, Block and Macquarie shares are grabbing headlines on Friday

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE), Block (ASX: XYZ) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) shares are stirring up investor interest today.

Two of the blue-chip ASX shares are outpacing the 1.6% losses posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) as we head into the Friday lunch hour, while one is trailing that performance.

Here’s what’s happening.

Macquarie shares slide following Thursday’s record close

After notching a new all-time closing high yesterday, Macquarie shares are down 2.2% at time of writing, trading for $236.45 apiece.

Investors are pressuring the ASX 200 diversified financial stock despite the company reporting some strong full year FY 2026 results.

For the 12 months to 31 March, Macquarie achieved growth across all of its operating groups.

This saw the company post a 30% year on year increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $4.85 billion. The second half of the financial year was particularly strong, with Macquarie reporting H2 NPAT of $3.19 billion, up 93% from the first half.

On the passive income front, management declared a final partly franked dividend of $4.20 a share, up 7.7% from last year’s final dividend payout.

Commenting on the results that have yet to boost Macquarie shares today, CEO Shemara Wikramanayake said:

Each of our businesses used its specialist expertise in navigating the current environment, identifying opportunities that support long-term growth and delivering positive outcomes for our clients and communities

Block shares charge higher rising profits

Also grabbing headlines, and bucking the broader market sell down today, Block shares are up 5.1% at time of writing, changing hands for $103.38 each.

Investors are bidding up the ASX 200 buy now, pay later (BNPL) company, which acquired Afterpay in 2022, following the release of its first quarter update (Q1 2026).

Highlights for the first quarter included 5% year on year increase in  net revenue to US$6.06 billion. And Block’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) hit a record US$1.01 billion for the quarter.

On the bottom line, Block’s gross profit was up 27% from Q1 2025 to US$2.91 billion.

“We continued to deliver strong financial performance in the first quarter as AI became more central to how Block operates and what we build for customers,” Block CEO Jack Dorsey said.

Which brings us to…

QBE shares slip on Q1 update

Joining Block and Macquarie shares in turning heads today, QBE also released its first quarter update this morning.

Shares in the ASX 200 insurance giant are modestly outpacing the losses on the benchmark index today, down 1.4% at $22.33 apiece.

Highlight for the quarter include an 11% year on year increase in QBE’s gross written premium (GWP), or 7% on a constant currency basis.

The insurer reported total funds under management of $36.1 billion at the end of the quarter.

And with interest rates on the rise, QBE’s core fixed income yield increased to 4.1% over Q1. That’s up from an average of 3.7% achieved in FY 2025.

The post Why QBE, Block and Macquarie shares are grabbing headlines on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Macquarie shares slip despite FY26 profit jump
• Afterpay and Square owner Block shares jump 6% on strong results
• Block shares: Profit jumps 27% as outlook upgraded
• QBE Insurance Group reports Q1 2026 earnings
• Macquarie Group posts strong FY26 earnings growth

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Block and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.