5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Here's what to expect from the ASX 200 index on Friday.

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) snapped its winning streak with a small decline. The benchmark index fell 0.3% to 7,324.1 points.

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

Broker looking at the share price on her laptop with green and red points in the background.

Image source: Getty Images

ASX 200 expected to rebound

The Australian share market looks set to end the week on a positive note after Wall Street had its best session since February. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 19 points or 0.25% higher this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 1.15%, the S&P 500 was up 1.3%, and the NASDAQ jumped 2%.

Oil prices fall

Energy producers like Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a soft finish to the week after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.1% to US$82.33 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.2% to US$86.27 a barrel. Recession fears weighed on prices.

Beach rated as a buy

The Beach Energy share price could be great value according to analysts at Bell Potter. According to the note, the broker has reiterated its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $2.18. This implies potential upside of 43% from current levels. Bell Potter said: "BPT has a strong, fully funded production growth outlook, diversified across five energy basins and across four separate gas markets, including LNG."

Gold price hits one-year high

Gold miners Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good finish to the week after the gold price charged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 1.5% to US$2,054.3 an ounce. The precious metal hit a one-year high as global economic worries mount.

Dividend payday

A number of ASX 200 shares will be paying their latest dividends on Friday. This includes hearing solutions company Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH), corporate travel specialist Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD), insurance giant QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE), and diversified retailer Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL).

A previous version of this article made reference to St Babara's share price and it's possible movements today. We acknowledge that St Barbara is suspended from trade and it's share price will therefore be unaffected today.

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 Cochlear and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear and Corporate Travel Management. 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

A man in his 30s with a clipped beard sits at his laptop on a desk with one finger to the side of his face and his chin resting on his thumb as he looks concerned while staring at his computer screen.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Northern Star, and Sigma shares

Are these popular shares buys? Here's how analysts rate them.

Read more »

Business man marking buy on board and underlining it.
Broker Notes

6 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy status after March sell-off

The ASX All Ords fell 8% in March after the US and Israel attacked Iran and oil and gas prices…

Read more »

Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

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

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Market News

Why Beetaloo, Fortescue, Orora, and Whitehaven Coal shares are dropping today

These shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

Man in a business suit leaps off a boulder in front of a blue sky.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 stocks surging 13% to 36% in this shortened trading week

Investors sent these three ASX 200 stocks flying higher following the Easter break. But why?

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Amaero, Mesoblast, Telix, and Tivan shares are charging higher today

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

Read more »

A young couple stands next to a real estate agent in an empty apartment they are inspecting.
Real Estate Shares

Mirvac shares sink to their lowest level since 2015. Is this ASX property giant back on the radar?

Multi-year lows put Mirvac shares back on investors’ watchlists today.

Read more »

surprised child reading all about asx 200 shares in a newspaper
Share Market News

Why Magellan, Telix and Fortescue shares are grabbing headlines on Friday

Telix, Magellan, and Fortescue shares are catching ASX investor interest today. But why?

Read more »