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5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) continued its positive run and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.5% to 9,175.3 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 expected to edge higher

The Australian share market looks set to edge higher on Friday following a mixed night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 4 points higher this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.1%, but the S&P 500 is down 0.5% and the Nasdaq is down 1.15%.

Oil prices mixed

It could be a subdued finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after a mixed night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.15% to US$65.31 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.05% to US$70.89 a barrel. Traders appear undecided on where US-Iran nuclear talks are heading.

Coles half-year results

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares will be on watch on Friday when the supermarket giant releases its half-year results. According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts are expecting a 3.5% increase in revenue and a 16.5% jump in underlying net profit after tax to $699 million. The broker said: “We expect COL’s 1H26 result to be largely in line with expectations, following a solid 1Q26 sales update. The company continues to execute well, with Supermarkets sales rising 4.8% in 1Q26 and maintaining momentum into early 2Q26. […] We forecast Supermarkets EBIT margin to increase by 60bp to 5.8% in 1H26.”

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a soft finish to the week after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.45% to US$5,202.9 an ounce. Traders continue to wait for further developments between the US and Iran.

Buy Light & Wonder shares

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) shares could be undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to its full-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating with a slightly trimmed price target of $220.00. It said: “We rate LNW a Buy due to a compelling GARP profile relative to the ASX 100 and ALL. We expect a continuation in the re-rate observed since the ASX sole listing in November 2025, as long as the company executes on its strategy. We believe LNW’s heightened investment in R&D will drive continued growth, particularly in the Premium leased market. Further, we believe LNW’s R&D engine is difficult to replicate by AI and therefore gives the company an enduring moat.”

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

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. 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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