On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a strong session and raced higher. The benchmark index rose 1.65% to 9,014.8 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 set for subdued session
The Australian share market looks set for a subdued session on Thursday following a relatively flat night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 1 point higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.1%, the S&P 500 is up 0.1% and the Nasdaq is flat.
Oil prices rise
ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good session on Thursday after oil prices stormed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.45% to US$64.88 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.25% to US$69.68 a barrel. Improved demand and US-Iran tensions gave oil prices a boost.
Pro Medicus results
Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares will be on watch today when the health imaging technology company releases its half-year results. As well as its results, the market may be looking for management to ease concerns over AI disruption. Other ASX 200 shares that are releasing results today include Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) and Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG). The market will no doubt be interested to see how the latter is navigating US trade tariffs.
Gold price rises
ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Thursday after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.6% to US$5,110.6 an ounce. Traders were buying the precious metal despite the release of strong US jobs data, which could lessen rate cut hopes.
Hold CSL shares
CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares remain fully valued according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to the biotechnology giant’s half-year results, the broker has retained its hold rating with a reduced price target of $175.00. It said: “CSL now trades on an underlying PE of 16.5x in FY27, well below its historical average but remains above the global biopharma avg of ~15x. It faces the daunting prospect of hiring a new CEO to re-invigorate a lacklustre growth outlook in the face of headwinds on multiple fronts.”
The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Should you invest $1,000 in Beach Energy Limited right now?
Before you buy Beach Energy Limited shares, consider this:
Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Beach Energy Limited wasn’t one of them.
The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*
And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…
* Returns as of 1 Jan 2026
.custom-cta-button p {
margin-bottom: 0 !important;
}
More reading
- Buy, hold, sell: Beach Energy, CSL, and Pro Medicus shares
- What’s Morgans’ view on these ASX shares following earnings results?
- Neuren Pharmaceuticals unveils on-market buy-back supported by strong cash flows
- Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
- Superloop flags $4 million margin risk from AGL telecom business exit
Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.