5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

The ASX 200 looks set to have a tough day on Thursday…

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On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) continued its winning streak with a solid gain. The benchmark index rose 0.6% to 6,999.3 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set to fall on Thursday following a poor night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 38 points or 0.55% lower this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 1.5%, the S&P 500 has fallen 1.5% and the NASDAQ has tumbled 1.9%.

Oil prices sink

Energy producers including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a difficult day after oil prices sank on Wednesday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 3.1% to US$86.18 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2.5% to US$92.99 a barrel. An increase in US crude stockpiles and Chinese demand concerns weighed on prices.

Xero half year results

The Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price will be on watch today when the cloud accounting platform company releases its half year results. A note out of Goldman Sachs reveals that its analysts are expecting "Revenue/GP/EBITDA +28/+30/+42% vs. PcP to NZ$648/571/143mn; driven by continued ANZ net add strength, positive ARPU tailwinds from price rises and continued platform performance offset by UK go-to-market weakness."

NAB rated as a buy

The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price remains good value following the bank's full year results according to Goldman Sachs. This morning the broker retained its buy rating with an improved $35.41 price target. Goldman believes that NAB provides "the best leverage to the thematic that domestic volume momentum will favour commercial over housing volumes over both the short- and medium-term."

Gold price falls

Gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) could have a poor day after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.5% to US$1,707.6 an ounce. The gold price fell after the US dollar strengthened.

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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 positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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