On Wednesday the S&P/ASX 200 index fought hard to end the day with the smallest of gains. The benchmark index climbed less than one point to 6,673.1 points.
Will the local share market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to rise.
It looks set to be a good day of trade for the S&P/ASX 200 index following a positive night on U.S. markets. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to jump 0.5% or 32 points at the open. On Wall Street the Dow Jones climbed 0.1%, the S&P 500 rose 0.2%, and the Nasdaq pushed 0.15% higher.
Oil prices surge again.
Energy producers such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) could be heading higher today after oil prices surged for a second day in a row. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price rose 2.4% to US$55.79 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price pushed 2.25% higher to US$61.04 a barrel. Larger than expected inventory declines in the U.S. sent prices charging higher.
Companies holding their AGMs.
A good number of companies are scheduled to hold their annual general meetings today and could provide trading updates. These include casino and resort operator Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN), consumer products company GUD Holdings Limited (ASX: GUD), retailer JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH), and mining giant South32 Ltd (ASX: S32).
Gold edges higher.
Gold miners including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could be on the rise today after the spot gold price pushed higher. According to CNBC, the spot gold price rose 0.5% to US$1,494.5 an ounce amid Brexit concerns.
CIMIC Q3 result.
The CIMIC Group Ltd (ASX: CIM) share price will be on watch this morning following the after-hours release of its third quarter result. CIMIC reported net profit after tax of $573 million for the 9 months to September 30. Management held firm with its full year guidance for NPAT in the range of $790 million to $840 million.
