On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) continued its poor run with a small decline. The benchmark index fell 0.25% to 8,665.8 points.
Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to jump
The Australian share market looks set to jump on Friday following a good night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 133 points or 1.5% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 1.6%, the S&P 500 rose 1%, and the Nasdaq climbed 0.9%.
Oil prices mixed
ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) will be on watch on Friday after a mixed night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.3% to US$105.59 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.7% to US$111.20 a barrel. Oil prices pulled back after hitting US$125 a barrel.
Big ASX 200 share updates
A number of ASX 200 shares will be on watch when they release their latest updates on Friday. Among the companies scheduled to release results are big four bank ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), sleep disorder treatment company ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), and supermarket giant Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL).
Gold price rises
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a decent finish to the week after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.5% to US$4,629.9 an ounce. Despite this, the gold price is on course to make it two months of declines in a row.
Woolworths downgraded
Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares are fairly valued despite pulling back on Thursday. This morning, Bell Potter has downgraded the supermarket leader’s shares to a hold rating (from buy) with a reduced price target of $35.50 (from $38.25). It said: “We downgrade from Buy to Hold. Food inflation looks to be returning which should be beneficial for the topline. This looks largely offset by the margin impact of absorbing supply chain inflation, which is likely to be amplified in 4Q26e as a run rate into FY27e, where outcomes will be dependent on an easing in middle east tensions.”
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
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in ResMed, Woodside Energy Group Ltd, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.