5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

The ASX 200 looks set to end the week on a positive note…

Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking

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 Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and pushed higher. The benchmark rose 0.1% to 7,511.6 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set to rise again on Friday following a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 7 points or 0.1% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.65%, but the S&P 500 is up 0.9% and the NASDAQ index is up 2.5%. An exceptionally strong gain by Meta has given the latter a boost.

Oil prices fall

Energy producers Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a subdued finish to the week after oil prices edged lower overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.5% to US$75.97 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.8% to US$82.20 a barrel. Global economic growth concerns appear to be weighing on prices.

Lynas shares have peaked

The Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) share price may have peaked now according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning the broker has initiated coverage on the rare earths producer with a hold rating and $9.05 price target. It said: "LYC is a high-quality business, and a key supplier of separated rare earths to Western economies. However, we believe the business to be fully valued currently."

Gold price slumps

Gold miners Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) could have a difficult finish to the week after the gold price slumped overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.75% to US$1,928.4 an ounce. Gold hit a nine-month high before pulling back.

CSL on watch

The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price will be on watch today after a rival received FDA approval for a competing drug. Goldman Sachs commented: "This morning the FDA approved GSK's Jesduvroq (daprodustat) as the first oral treatment for anaemia caused by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in adults receiving dialysis." As CSL's Mircera and Retacrit are administered through intravenous/subcutaneous injection, Goldman believes the "oral alternative could offer potential convenience and/or economic advantages."

Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Global Cybersecurity Etf right now?

Before you buy Betashares Global Cybersecurity Etf shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Betashares Global Cybersecurity Etf wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Retired couple hugging and laughing.
Share Market News

Eyeing retirement: Do you really need $1 million?

AustralianSuper recently weighed in.

Read more »

Happy woman working on a laptop.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a pleasant end to the trading week for investors this Friday.

Read more »

Close-up of a business man's hand stacking gold coins into piles on a desktop.
Opinions

If I had a big cash pile like Warren Buffett, here's how I'd spend it in 2025

I'd put Buffett's billions to work straight away.

Read more »

Man pointing at a blue rising share price graph.
Technology Shares

Up 30% in a month, this ASX 200 tech share is 'a compelling opportunity': expert

Analysts from listed investment company WAM Capital say this ASX 200 tech stock is worth watching.

Read more »

Emotional euphoric young woman giving high five to male partner, celebrating family achievement, getting bank loan approval, or financial or investing success.
52-Week Highs

5 ASX 200 shares hitting multi-year highs after strongly rebounding from tariff turmoil

These stocks have hit new price milestones amid a day in the green for the ASX 200.

Read more »

A woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading something on a laptop that is sitting on the table in front of her
Share Market News

3 key takeaways from the 2025 Macquarie Conference

More than one hundred companies presented at the Macquarie Conference this year. Here’s what we learned.

Read more »

An executive in a suit smooths his hair and laughs as he looks at his laptop feeling surprised and delighted.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

Read more »

A happy investor sits at his desk in front of his laptop and does the mexican wave with his arms to celebrate the returns from his ASX dividend shares
Share Gainers

Why Chrysos, GQG Partners, Macquarie, and Webjet shares are storming higher today

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

Read more »