On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fought hard and was able to record a small gain. The benchmark index rose 0.15% to 7,342.4 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are 5 things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to fall
The Australian share market looks set to end the week in a disappointing fashion. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 20 points or 0.3% lower this morning. This is despite a solid night of trade on Wall Street that currently sees the Dow Jones up 0.5%, the S&P 500 up 0.5%, and the Nasdaq pushing 0.65% higher.
BHP shareholders approve unification
The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price will be on watch today after the mining giant's shareholders voted in favour of scrapping its dual listing. At the meeting, over 97% of shareholders voted for a sole listing on the Australian share market. This will see BHP become the largest company on the ASX 200.
Oil prices mixed
ASX 200 energy producers including Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) will be on watch today following a mixed night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.35% to US$86.66 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up slightly to US$88.48 a barrel. Oil prices softened after traders took profits following some strong gains.
Gold price falls
Gold miners Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) could have a subdued finish to the week after the gold price edged lower. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.15% to US$1,840.70 an ounce. Traders appear undecided where gold is going next ahead of a key meeting by the US Federal Reserve next week.
Northern Star rated as a buy
The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price may have surged 11% higher yesterday but Goldman Sachs still sees significant upside potential. This morning the broker retained its buy rating and lifted its price target to $12.40. Goldman likes the ASX 200 gold miner due to its high-returning organic growth across all production hubs. This implies potential upside of 27%.
