Why did the Rio Tinto share price drop today?

The stock fell after confirmation of early merger talks with Glencore. Markets are weighing deal pricing, antitrust risk, governance and culture fit, potential coal divestitures, and any registry shift toward London. Until terms are clear, a risk discount can appear as investors reassess dividends, capital allocation, and the combined copper strategy.

What are the main risks in Glencore merger talks?

Key risks include offer valuation, regulatory approvals, governance alignment, and culture integration. Asset overlap could require divestitures, especially in coal. A potential shift of registry weighting toward London may affect index flows for Australian holders. Timing and deal certainty also matter, as prolonged negotiations can keep a discount on the shares.

How do Rio Tinto’s fundamentals look now?

Recent metrics show about a 16.31x P/E, 3.77% dividend yield, 64.9% payout ratio, debt-to-equity of 0.41, and EV/EBITDA near 8.09. Free cash flow yield is roughly 3.09%. These figures suggest a solid balance sheet, though dividend sustainability depends on commodity prices, capex, and any deal-related changes.

What technical levels should traders watch on RIO.AX today?

Bollinger bands sit around A$154.76 upper, A$145.07 middle, and A$135.38 lower. RSI at 71.87 and Stochastic above 90 indicate overbought conditions. ATR of 2.56 highlights active daily ranges. A sustained move below the middle band could signal momentum cooling, while headlines can quickly change the setup.

When is the next earnings date for Rio Tinto?

The next scheduled earnings date is 19 February 2026. Investors should watch for updates on dividends, capex, copper growth plans, and any commentary on merger discussions. Guidance on portfolio actions, including potential divestitures, could influence the Rio Tinto share price into the first quarter.

Global Market Insights

RIO.AX Stock Today: January 09 – Shares Slide on Glencore Talks

ByDanny Kontos January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Rio Tinto share price fell about 6% on 9 January after the company confirmed early talks with Glencore about a potential buyout. The first mention of RIO.AX today drew strong interest as traders weighed copper scale benefits against risks around governance and asset sales. For Australian investors, the focus is on price, deal certainty, and dividend resilience. We explain the move, what the merger could change for ASX miners, key valuation markers, and technical levels to watch.