On Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 index continued its positive run and climbed a further 0.25% to 6,654.9 points.
Will the local share market be able to build on this on Friday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to rise.
The Australian share market looks set to finish the week on a high thanks to a positive night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 index is expected to open the day 25 points or 0.4% higher this morning. On Wall Street the Dow Jones rose 0.2%, the S&P 500 pushed 0.3% higher, and the Nasdaq climbed 0.3% higher after trade tariffs were delayed.
Oil prices drop lower.
Energy shares Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) could finish the week in the red after oil prices continued their slide. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price dropped 1.2% to US$55.10 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price fell 0.7% to US$60.41 a barrel.
Gold price edges higher.
Gold miners such as Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could be on the rise today after the gold price pushed higher again. According to CNBC, the spot gold price pushed 0.2% higher to US$1,506.50 an ounce. The gold price has been recovering this week after President Trump called for more rate cuts.
Shares trade ex-dividend.
More popular shares are due to trade ex-dividend this morning and could edge lower. These include shipbuilder Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) and diversified operating and investment group Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW). Their dividends will be paid to eligible shareholders on October 15 and October 11, respectively.
James Hardie update.
The James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) share price will be on watch on Friday following the release of an update after the market close yesterday. Management reaffirmed its guidance for growth above market of 3-5% and an EBIT margin of 20-25% this year. The building products company's US-listed shares rose 2% overnight.
