5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tumbled deep into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.7% to 6,968.6 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall again

The Australian share market looks set to end the week on a subdued note following a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 38 points or 0.55% lower this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.1%, the S&P 500 is flat, and the NASDAQ index is up 0.7%.

Oil prices tumble

Energy producers Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a tough finish to the week after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.5% to US$69.53 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.45% to US$75.59 a barrel. Traders appear concerned that rising rates could hurt the global economy and weigh on demand.

Block hit by short seller attack

The Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price is likely to crash lower today after the payments company was hit by a short seller attack. Hindenburg Research, which recently went after the Adani Group, claims that the company’s flagship Cash App product facilitates crime and lacks strong compliance controls.

Gold price charges higher

Gold miners Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) could have a great finish to the week after the gold price charged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 2.5% to US$1,998.4 an ounce. Traders were buying gold on the belief that the US Federal Reserve may pause its rate hikes.

Dividend payday

A number of ASX 200 shares will be paying their latest dividends on Friday. This includes energy companies AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) and Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG), lithium miner Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), and health imaging technology company Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME),

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

• Telstra shares: Bull vs. Bear
• Buy Pilbara Minerals and this exciting ASX growth share: analysts
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here is a pair of ASX 200 shares I would buy and never sell
• Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares 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 Block and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block and Pro Medicus. 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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