5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a fantastic session. The benchmark index rose 1% to 7,782 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 poised to fall

The Australian share market looks set to end the week in the red despite a good night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 14 points or 0.2% lower this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.8%, the S&P 500 is up 0.45%, and the NASDAQ is up 0.35%.

Oil prices soften

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) could have a subdued finish to the week after oil prices softened overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.3% to US$81.01 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.3% to US$85.71 a barrel. Weaker than expected gasoline demand in the US put pressure on prices.

Brickworks downgraded

The Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) share price could be fully valued now according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to the building products company’s half-year results, the broker has downgraded its shares to a hold rating with a $29.00 price target. Bell Potter said: “We remain attracted to BKW’s significant property development pipeline and ~50% short-WALE book in a supply constrained Western Sydney market. That said, with SOL’s premium to NTA having widened to ~8% (BPe) we mark BKW at close to fair value at this time.”

Gold price storms higher

ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a poor session after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 1.1% to US$2,185.1 an ounce. Rate cut optimism boosted the precious metal.

Virgin Money UK takeover deal

Virgin Money UK (ASX: VUK) shares will be on watch on Friday after the UK-based bank released an update on its takeover approach by Nationwide Building Society. According to the release, the two parties have agreed the terms of a recommended cash acquisition of Virgin Money by Nationwide. Under the terms of the acquisition, each Virgin Money shareholder will be entitled to receive 220 pence (~A$4.29) in cash per share.

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Australian Strategic Metals, Evolution, Sigma, and Webjet shares are storming higher
• Why AGL, Brickworks, IGO, and New Hope shares are dropping today
• 2 ASX 200 large-cap shares upgraded by brokers
• Why are ASX 200 gold stocks surging again on Thursday?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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