5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

The ASX 200 index looks set to start the week strongly.

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 Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week on a positive note. The benchmark index rose 0.2% to 7,309.2 points.

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

Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.

Image Source: Getty Images

ASX 200 expected to rise again

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Monday thanks to a strong finish to last week on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 54 points or 0.75% higher this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.8%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.8%, and the NASDAQ pushed 0.7% higher.

Oil prices jump

It could be a strong start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices jumped on Friday. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 2.7% to US$76.78 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price rose 2.7% to US$80.33 a barrel. Oil prices rose after U.S. data showed crude output was declining while fuel demand was growing.

Pilbara Minerals named as a buy

The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price could be good value according to analysts at Citi. That's despite its quarterly update being softer than it had hoped. This is because the broker believes that we are probably at the end of the downstream destocking cycle. Citi has retained its buy rating and $4.60 price target on the lithium giant's shares.

Gold price relatively flat

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 traded broadly flat on Friday night. According to CNBC, the spot gold price edged a fraction higher to $1,999.4 per ounce. Improving risk sentiment appears to have weighed on the safe haven asset.

Coles rated as a sell

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares could be overvalued according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. In response to the supermarket giant's quarterly update, the broker has retained its sell rating and $15.80 price target. The broker said: "COL is trading at 12mth fwd P/E of 24x vs TP implied ~21x. Our 24/25e NPAT remains 9%/8% below consensus, largely due to lower margins."

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 positions in and has recommended Coles Group. 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

One hundred dollar notes planted in the ground, representing ASX growth shares.
Best Shares

This 4% ASX stock is my top pick for growth and income in 2026

Stocks of this calibre are exceptionally rare...

Read more »

Increasing white bar graph with a rising arrow on an orange background.
Growth Shares

Here's what I consider to be the very best ASX 200 share to buy in April

This business looks heavily undervalued to me.

Read more »

strong woman overlooking city
Share Market News

3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy this month with $6,000

These ASX shares offer a mix of growth, quality, and long-term opportunity.

Read more »

A group of people in a corporate setting do a collective high five.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today

A leading analyst expects Ramsay Health Care shares to keep outperforming in the months ahead.

Read more »

A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter says this ASX 200 stock can rise 38% and pay a 6% dividend yield

Major upside and a generous dividend yield could be on offer with this name.

Read more »

A male ASX 200 broker wearing a blue shirt and black tie holds one hand to his chin with the other arm crossed across his body as he watches stock prices on a digital screen while deep in thought
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Here's what to expect on the ASX 200 ahead of the Easter break.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Share Market News

The best time to buy shares? It might be right now

With sentiment shifting, now could potentially be a good time to put money into the market.

Read more »

A panel of four judges hold up cards all showing the perfect score of ten out of ten
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a veritable party on the ASX today.

Read more »