5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

Here's what to watch on Monday on the ASX 200…

woman watching asx share price on digital screen

Image source: Getty Images

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 Friday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week on a positive note. The benchmark index rose 0.35% to 7,538.4 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market is expected to continue its positive run on Monday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 30 points or 0.4% higher this morning. This follows a reasonably solid end to the week on Wall Street, which saw the Dow Jones rise 0.4%, the S&P 500 climb 0.2%, but the Nasdaq tumble 0.4% lower.

Oil prices drop

Energy producers such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) could be under pressure today after oil prices dropped on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.2% to US$68.28 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has fallen 0.8% to US$70.70 a barrel. This led to oil prices recording their biggest weekly decline in months amid demand concerns.

Telstra acquisition

The Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price will be on watch today. This follows reports the telco giant has signed an agreement to acquire Australian patient management software company MedicalDirector. According to the AFR, the company is buying the business in a deal worth $350 million. MedicalDirector will be part of the Telstra Health business, which is the country's biggest eHealth business.

Gold price tumbles

Australian gold miners such as Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could come under pressure today after the gold price tumbled on Friday night. According to CNBC, the spot gold price fell 2.5% to US$1,763.10 an ounce. A strong US jobs report sparked fears that the US Federal Reserve could begin tapering its economic support sooner than previously anticipated.

Suncorp full year results

The Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) share price will be one to watch this morning when it releases its full year results. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts are forecasting cash earnings of $1,005 million for FY 2021. The broker expects this to support a full year fully franked dividend of 62 cents per share. Goldman has a buy rating and $12.87 price target on its shares.

Should you invest $1,000 in Newcrest Mining right now?

Before you buy Newcrest Mining 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 Newcrest Mining 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 30 April 2025

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

A man in a blue collared shirt sits at his desk doing a single fist pump as he watches the Appen share price rise on his laptop
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 stocks could rise 30% to 40%

Analysts are tipping these shares to go to the moon. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A man and woman dance back to back as they cook in kitchen.
Share Market News

ASX 200 'safe-haven' shares delivered divergent performances last week

ASX 200 utilities shares lifted while healthcare shares tanked last week.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

A businessman hugs his computer and smiles.
Opinions

2 ASX 300 shares I plan to own forever

Both of these businesses have good ultra-long-term outlooks.

Read more »

Businessman using a digital tablet with a graphical chart, symbolising the stock market.
Share Market News

$10,000 invested in the ASX 200 5 years ago is now worth…

Guess how much $10,000 invested in the ASX 200 five years ago is worth today!

Read more »

Retired couple hugging and laughing.
Share Market News

Eyeing retirement: Do you really need $1 million?

AustralianSuper recently weighed in.

Read more »

Happy woman working on a laptop.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a pleasant end to the trading week for investors this Friday.

Read more »

Close-up of a business man's hand stacking gold coins into piles on a desktop.
Opinions

If I had a big cash pile like Warren Buffett, here's how I'd spend it in 2025

I'd put Buffett's billions to work straight away.

Read more »