5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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

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 Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form and dropped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.4% to 7,454 points.

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

Young man with a laptop in hand watching stocks and trends on a digital chart.

Image Source: Getty Images

ASX 200 expected to edge lower

The Australian share market looks set to edge lower on Wednesday following a poor night in the US. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 3 points lower this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones fell 0.25%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.35%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 0.3%. Inflation concerns weighed on investor sentiment.

Oil prices jump

Energy producers such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a great day after oil prices jumped. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 6.8 % to US$100.75 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has risen 6.4% to US$104.76 a barrel. This follows the easing of lockdowns in Shanghai and OPEC warning that it would be impossible to replace potential supply losses from Russia.

EML takeover rumours swirl

The EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML) share price will be one to watch this morning amid rumours the payments company held takeover talks with private equity firm Bain Capital. According to the AFR, the two parties ultimately failed to agree on a deal after a period of due diligence. EML is currently one of the most shorted ASX 200 shares with short interest of 9.5%. Those short sellers may have dodged a bullet on this occasion.

Gold price rises

Gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a decent day after the gold price pushed higher. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 1.1% to US$1,969.1 an ounce. The gold price was given a boost from a US inflation reading that was the highest in four decades.

IDP remains a buy

The IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) share price could be a top option for investors according to Goldman Sachs. This morning the broker retained its buy rating and lifted its price target on the student placement and language testing company's shares to $35.50. Goldman notes that international student visa data shows the recovery is underway in Australia.

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 and has recommended EML Payments. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended EML Payments. 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

Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

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

Why Beetaloo, Fortescue, Orora, and Whitehaven Coal shares are dropping today

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

Read more »

Man in a business suit leaps off a boulder in front of a blue sky.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 stocks surging 13% to 36% in this shortened trading week

Investors sent these three ASX 200 stocks flying higher following the Easter break. But why?

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Amaero, Mesoblast, Telix, and Tivan shares are charging higher today

These shares are ending the week on a high. But why?

Read more »

A young couple stands next to a real estate agent in an empty apartment they are inspecting.
Real Estate Shares

Mirvac shares sink to their lowest level since 2015. Is this ASX property giant back on the radar?

Multi-year lows put Mirvac shares back on investors’ watchlists today.

Read more »

surprised child reading all about asx 200 shares in a newspaper
Share Market News

Why Magellan, Telix and Fortescue shares are grabbing headlines on Friday

Telix, Magellan, and Fortescue shares are catching ASX investor interest today. But why?

Read more »

Person with thumbs down and a red sad face poster covering the face.
52-Week Lows

Harvey Norman just hit a 52-week low. Is this beaten-down ASX retailer becoming too cheap to ignore?

Harvey Norman sinks to 52-week low as sentiment weakens further.

Read more »

Woman using a pen on a digital stock market chart in an office.
Broker Notes

Could these ASX stocks double by the end of 2026?

These 5 stocks could be undervalued.

Read more »