Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) Rating Lowered to Hold at Hsbc Global Res

Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) was downgraded by equities researchers at Hsbc Global Res from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday,Zacks.com reports.

A number of other research firms have also recently commented on RIO. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a “sector perform” rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Erste Group Bank raised Rio Tinto from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. HSBC lowered Rio Tinto from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday. Citigroup restated a “hold” rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an “overweight” rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Rio Tinto currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $85.00.

Rio Tinto Stock Performance

NYSE:RIO opened at $92.90 on Monday. The stock’s fifty day moving average is $79.27 and its 200 day moving average is $69.94. Rio Tinto has a fifty-two week low of $51.67 and a fifty-two week high of $92.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.53.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Rio Tinto

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. PFS Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Rio Tinto during the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH acquired a new stake in shares of Rio Tinto in the 4th quarter worth $34,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC raised its stake in Rio Tinto by 62.2% during the third quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 472 shares of the mining company’s stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 181 shares during the period. Baillie Gifford & Co. lifted its holdings in Rio Tinto by 51.0% in the fourth quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. now owns 524 shares of the mining company’s stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 177 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Rio Tinto in the 3rd quarter valued at $36,000. 19.33% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

More Rio Tinto News

Here are the key news stories impacting Rio Tinto this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Market talk of a potential merger with Glencore has pushed M&A speculation that could create the world’s largest miner and materially change Rio’s strategic profile and valuation — a bullish catalyst for the stock. The Possible Faces of a Rio Tinto-Glencore Deal
• Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades and bullish write-ups are supporting sentiment — Erste Group Bank recently upgraded RIO, and bullish commentary has highlighted a strong rebound since the 2025 low, arguing upside remains. Rio Tinto Upgraded at Erste Group Bank
• Positive Sentiment: Company initiatives on renewables and zero‑waste (new solar arrays and expanded solar at Kennecott) strengthen ESG credentials, lower operating costs and support long‑term copper production economics — positive for longer‑term investor confidence. How Zero-Waste Thinking Helped Build Rio Tinto a Solar Array
• Neutral Sentiment: Dimensional Fund Advisors filed a Form 8.3 disclosing a 1%+ position in Rio Tinto — notable institutional ownership that could influence liquidity or takeover dynamics but does not by itself change fundamentals. Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3
• Neutral Sentiment: Macro/sector pieces highlighting demand for critical minerals (where Rio has exposure via copper) suggest structural tailwinds over the cycle, but these are longer‑term and less immediate drivers of today’s move. China’s Stranglehold on Critical Minerals Creates Massive Opportunity
• Negative Sentiment: Vale’s iron‑ore output rose in 2025 and, for the first time in seven years, topped Rio’s Pilbara — increased rival supply can weigh on iron‑ore pricing and margins for Rio’s iron business. Vale’s iron ore production rises 3% in 2025, surpassing Rio Tinto’s Pilbara
• Negative Sentiment: HSBC downgraded Rio Tinto from “strong‑buy” to “hold,” which may cap near‑term upside and influence other momentum traders. HSBC Downgrade (reported)

Rio Tinto Company Profile

Rio Tinto is a global mining and metals company that explores for, mines, processes and markets a wide range of commodities. Its principal products include iron ore, aluminum, copper, diamonds and various other minerals and industrial materials. The company’s activities span the full value chain from exploration and project development to mining, processing, smelting and refining, supplying raw materials to industries such as steelmaking, automotive, packaging, electronics and construction.

The origins of Rio Tinto date back to mining operations in the Rio Tinto region of Spain in the 19th century, and the group has since grown into a multinational enterprise.