London, Feb 8, 2026, 07:53 GMT — Market shut for the day.
- Rio Tinto plc ended Friday on the London market at 6,843 pence, a gain of 0.25%.
- The miner has pulled the plug on takeover discussions with Glencore, sidelining speculation around a potential deal.
- Focus is now on Rio’s Feb 19 annual results, with iron ore sliding under $100 a ton pressuring sentiment.
Rio Tinto plc edged up in London on Friday, finishing at 6,843 pence—just 0.25% stronger—after the miner dropped takeover discussions with Glencore, damping a short-lived wave of merger chatter in the industry. 1
This time, with talks falling through, the stock loses a driver that had been helping stabilize its price—and keeping risk somewhat contained. The failed deal also brings a familiar dilemma for investors back into focus: whether Rio can boost its copper and other “future-facing” metals growth, and do it without shelling out for a competitor.
Markets are closed Sunday. Traders go into Monday watching for any momentum from the post-deal repricing, but what really matters now: signals on strategy and spending plans. Rio’s financial calendar has its 2025 annual results set for Feb. 19. 2
Several Rio shareholders welcomed the move, noting it saved the company from what could have become a lengthy distraction—and a tough battle over valuation with slim odds of success. “This is positive that Rio appears to be disciplined in not overpaying,” said Andy Forster, senior investment officer at Argo Investments. Over at Atlas Funds Management, chief investment officer Hugh Dive pointed out, “Miners have a terrible long-term track record for mega mergers.” 3
Rio said the two companies couldn’t agree on terms that would deliver enough value for its shareholders. Now, under British law, Rio is barred from reopening talks with Glencore for six months, according to Reuters. That cuts the chances of a near-term deal. “The strategic logic was always apparent, but perhaps finding a shared view on valuation was always going to be challenging,” said Aberdeen investment manager Iain Pyle. 4
Commodity markets showed more movement elsewhere. Iron ore, the top revenue driver for Rio, dropped under $100 a ton on Friday, Bloomberg said, as Chinese demand faded before the Lunar New Year. Stockpiles are also piling up. 5
The setup’s tight. Should iron ore hover at $100 a ton—or slip lower—cash flow and the prospects for hefty dividends could dry up fast for major miners, deal or no deal in sight. On Feb. 6, iron ore was quoted at roughly $100 a ton, down over the session, according to 6 .
Rio Tinto’s next key moment lands Feb. 19, when results are due and investors will be watching closely for updates on the growth pipeline, costs, and the size of any planned cash returns. In the meantime, moves in iron ore and any fresh signs of sector consolidation will drive trading direction.
