On Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) had a positive day of trade and finished it 0.7% higher at 6,139.2 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Friday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX futures pointing higher.
According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day ever so slightly higher on Friday. At the time of writing futures contracts are pointing to a 2-point gain at the open. This follows a disappointing night of trade in the U.S. which late in the session sees the Dow Jones down 0.6%, the S&P 500 down 0.5%, and the Nasdaq 0.55% lower.
Oil prices lower.
Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) shares could come under pressure today after oil prices dropped lower overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.5% to US$56.87 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has fallen 0.25% to US$66.91 a barrel.
Mayne Pharma results.
The Mayne Pharma Group Ltd (ASX: MYX) share price will be on watch on Friday when it releases its half year results. The pharmaceutical company has been battling tough trading conditions in the U.S. generics drug market for the last couple of years. The market will no doubt be looking to see if the company has moved on from this now.
InvoCare results.
The InvoCare Limited (ASX: IVC) share price could be on the move today when the struggling funerals company releases its full year results. All eyes will be on management's guidance for FY 2019 after a very disappointing performance in FY 2018.
Shares going ex-dividend.
A number of shares are trading ex-dividend this morning and are likely to drop lower. These include health and safety products company Ansell Limited (ASX: ANN), administration services company Link Administration Holdings Ltd (ASX: LNK), retail group Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL), and energy producer Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL).
