5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX:BPT), St Barbara Ltd (ASX:SBM), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX:WTC) shares will be on watch on the ASX 200 index on Friday…

| More on:
a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

On Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 index came under pressure for a second day in a row and dropped 0.5% to 6,677.6 points.

Will the local share 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 rise.   

The Australian share market looks set to rebound despite a weak night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 index is expected to open the day 35 points or 0.4% higher this morning. On Wall Street the Dow Jones fell 0.3%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.25%, and the Nasdaq index tumbled 0.5% lower.

Trade talks to resume.

The Australian share market looks set to get a boost from breaking news that the United States and China will resume trade talks on October 10. According to CNBC, the talks will take place in Washington next month, with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He representing the delegation from Beijing. This follows comments from President Trump earlier this week that hinted that a trade deal could be close.

Tech shares on watch.

Australian tech shares such as Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) will be on watch today after the technology-focused Nasdaq index tumbled lower. However, this could be offset by the positive trade talks news.

Oil prices edge higher.

Energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) could be on the rise today after oil prices bounced back slightly. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price rose 0.1% to US$56.54 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price climbed 0.4% to US$62.64 a barrel.

Gold price tumbles.

It looks set to be a subdued end to the week for gold miners such as Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) after the spot gold price dropped lower again. According to CNBC, the spot gold price dropped 0.1% to US$1,510.7 an ounce. And I suspect the trade talks news could put further pressure on the precious metal as the day goes on.

Should you invest $1,000 in Agl Energy Limited right now?

Before you buy Agl Energy Limited shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Agl Energy Limited wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 3 April 2025

James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Altium and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Ten happy friends leaping in the air outdoors.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a great end to the week's trading today...

Read more »

Man putting a ballot into a voting box in Australia.
Share Market News

Federal election countdown: Potential implications for investors

Hear this expert's thoughts on whether the election matters for investors.

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
Financial Shares

This leading broker just upgraded AMP shares to 'outperform'. Here's why

This top broker just turned bullish on AMP shares. But why?

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Share Gainers

Why Liontown, Newmont, Paladin Energy, and ResMed shares are charging higher today

These shares are ending the week on a positive note.

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why DroneShield, Generation Development, Oneview, and PWR shares are falling today

These shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A Paladin Energy miner wearing a hard hat and protective gear stands in front of a large mining truck and smiles to the camera.
Energy Shares

Paladin Energy shares have surged 32% in 2 days. Macquarie says that's the tip of the iceberg

After a tough year, the future is looking brighter for Paladin Energy shares.

Read more »

Woman and man calculating a dividend yield.
Opinions

This ASX 300 share is near a 52-week low, is it time to buy?

Is this stock an underrated opportunity to buy?

Read more »

A group of young ASX investors sitting around a laptop with an older lady standing behind them explaining how investing works.
Opinions

If I were in my 20s, I'd buy these ASX shares

These stocks offer compelling growth potential.

Read more »