On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) returned to form and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.35% to 7,479 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:
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ASX 200 expected to rise
The Australian share market looks set end the shortened week in a positive fashion after Wall Street rebounded overnight. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 18 points or 0.25% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones rose 1%, the S&P 500 climbed 1.1%, and the Nasdaq jumped 2%.
Bank of Queensland results
All eyes will be on the Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ) share price this morning when it releases its half year results. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, for the six months ended February 28, its analysts are expecting Bank of Queensland to report cash earnings of $222 million. This will be a 16.5% decline from the $266 million reported for the prior corresponding period.
Oil prices jump again
It could be another positive day for energy shares including Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) after oil prices jumped again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 3.7% to US$104.32 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 4% to US$108.79 a barrel. Oil prices climbed despite the US revealing a large increase in crude inventories.
New Hope goes ex-dividend
The New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) share price is going ex-dividend this morning for its monster dividend and is likely to trade sharply lower. Eligible shareholders can look forward to receiving the coal miner's fully franked 30 cents per share interim dividend at the beginning of next month on 4 May. This dividend equates to a yield of 8% based on New Hope's current share price.
Gold price edges higher
Gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) will be on watch after the gold price edged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.2% to US$1,980.5 an ounce. Inflation concerns took the precious metal to a one-month high.
