5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Here's what to expect on the ASX 200 on Thursday…

A male ASX 200 broker wearing a blue shirt and black tie holds one hand to his chin with the other arm crossed across his body as he watches stock prices on a digital screen while deep in thought

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 Wednesday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was well and truly out of form and sank notably lower. The benchmark index fell 1.1% to 7,196.7 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Thursday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 14 points or 0.2% higher this morning. This follows a mixed night of trade on Wall Street, which saw the Dow Jones rise 0.25%, the S&P 500 climb 0.15%, and the Nasdaq fall 0.25%.

Oil prices fall

It could be a softer day for energy producers such as Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) after oil prices pulled back. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.85% to US$74.64 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has fallen 0.9% to US$78.37 a barrel. Traders appear to have been taking profit after some strong gains in recent sessions.

Dividends being paid

Today is payday for shareholders of a number of ASX 200 shares. Among the companies paying their latest dividends are Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN), CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG), Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM), and Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC).

Gold price falls

Gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) could have a difficult day after the gold price dropped again. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.7% to US$1,725.20 an ounce. The precious metal continues to struggle on growing confidence that the U.S. Federal Reserve will soon wind down its economic support measures.

Iron ore price rises

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue shares could have a better day today after the benchmark iron ore price continued to recover. According to Metal Bulletin, the spot 62% fines iron ore price rose 1.8% to US$114.13 a tonne during overnight trade.

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. owns shares of and has recommended CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ramsay Health Care 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

Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

It looks set to be a good session for Aussie investors today.

Read more »

Person pointing at an increasing blue graph which represents a rising share price.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 33% to 37%

Analysts at Morgans think these shares could deliver big returns.

Read more »

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a volatile, but negative day for ASX investors this Thursday.

Read more »

Woman with an amazed expression has her hands and arms out with a laptop in front of her.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX 200 stock turned $5,000 into $34,264 in just three years!

Investors have been piling into this ASX 200 stock for years, sending the share price soaring.

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Share Gainers

Why Beach Energy, Meeka Metals, Monash IVF, and Qantas shares are racing higher today

These shares are having a better day than most on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

Female miner in hard hat and safety vest on laptop with mining drill in background.
Broker Notes

Experts reveal 2 buys and 1 sell in the ASX 200 materials sector

And they're not all mining companies, either.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Share Fallers

Why Betmakers, Cettire, Johns Lyng, and Vulcan shares are falling today

These shares are having a tough session on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

A smiling miner wearing a high vis vest and yellow hardhat does the thumbs up in front of an open pit copper mine.
Broker Notes

Why Macquarie expects this ASX All Ords copper stock to soar 48% in a year

Macquarie forecasts another big year of gains ahead for this ASX All Ords copper stock. But why?

Read more »