Why the BHP (ASX:BHP) share price fell 9.5% in March 

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price slumped 9.5% in March, underperforming both the broader ASX 200 and its S&P/ASX Materials (INDEXASX: XMJ) peers in March. 

Why the BHP share price underperformed

Ex-dividend driving underperformance 

The BHP share price went ex-dividend on 4th March for a fully franked $1.311 dividend. Shares generally fall on the ex-dividend date to reflect the dividend being paid. This is similar to how shares typically fall after a capital raising. On 4 March, the BHP share price closed $1.58 or 3.10% lower. 

By including the dividend investors would have received in March, the BHP share price fell 6.9% compared to the face value 9.5% fall. 

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