5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

It could be a difficult finish to the week for the ASX 200 index.

A businesswoman on the phone is shocked as she looks at her watch, she's running out of time.

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) tumbled deep into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.7% to 6,968.6 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to fall again

The Australian share market looks set to end the week on a subdued note following a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 38 points or 0.55% lower this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.1%, the S&P 500 is flat, and the NASDAQ index is up 0.7%.

Oil prices tumble

Energy producers Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a tough finish to the week after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.5% to US$69.53 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.45% to US$75.59 a barrel. Traders appear concerned that rising rates could hurt the global economy and weigh on demand.

Block hit by short seller attack

The Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price is likely to crash lower today after the payments company was hit by a short seller attack. Hindenburg Research, which recently went after the Adani Group, claims that the company's flagship Cash App product facilitates crime and lacks strong compliance controls.

Gold price charges higher

Gold miners Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) could have a great finish to the week after the gold price charged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 2.5% to US$1,998.4 an ounce. Traders were buying gold on the belief that the US Federal Reserve may pause its rate hikes.

Dividend payday

A number of ASX 200 shares will be paying their latest dividends on Friday. This includes energy companies AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) and Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG), lithium miner Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), and health imaging technology company Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME),

Should you invest $1,000 in Bwx right now?

Before you buy Bwx 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 Bwx 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 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 Block and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block and Pro Medicus. 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

Businessman using a digital tablet with a graphical chart, symbolising the stock market.
Share Market News

$10,000 invested in the ASX 200 5 years ago is now worth…

Guess how much $10,000 invested in the ASX 200 five years ago is worth today!

Read more »

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 »