5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

It looks set to be a good start to the week for ASX 200 shares.

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On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished a solid week on a positive note. The benchmark index rose 0.8% to 7,177.8 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to climb

The Australian share market looks set to continue its positive run on Monday thanks to a strong finish on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 45 points or 0.6% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 1.25%, the S&P 500 rose 1.45%, and the NASDAQ climbed 1.75%.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good start to the week after oil prices rose on Friday. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 1.75% to US$75.67 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price rose 1.6% to US$79.89 a barrel. The announcement of surprise production cuts from OPEC has given oil prices a boost.

ALS named as a buy

The ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) share price could be great value according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. This morning, the broker has initiated coverage on the testing services company's shares with a buy rating and $14.60 price target. This implies potential upside of 21%. It said: "ALQ is positioned to benefit from short-term mining exploration and long-term green metals trends."

Gold price pulls back

ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a subdued start to the week after the gold price pulled back on Friday night. According to CNBC, the spot gold price fell 0.6% to $1,986.20 per ounce. Improving investor sentiment reduced the appeal of the safe haven asset.

Dividends being paid

A few ASX 200 shares will be paying their latest dividends on Monday. This includes financial services companies AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) and  Insignia Financial Ltd (ASX: IFL), as well as private health insurer NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF). The former is rewarding its shareholders with its first dividend in years today, It will be paying a fully franked 2.5 cents per share final dividend.

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended NIB Holdings. 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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