5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

It could be a tough day for investors and the ASX 200 index on Wednesday.

A Chinese investor sits in front of his laptop looking pensive and concerned about pandemic lockdowns which may impact ASX 200 iron ore share prices

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 Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) came under pressure after the RBA made a shock rate hike. The benchmark index fell 0.9% to 7,267.4 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to tumble again

The Australian share market looks set to fall again on Wednesday following a poor night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 44 points or 0.6% lower this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was down 1.2%, the S&P 500 dropped 1.2% and the Nasdaq fell 1.1%.

Oil prices sink

It could be a very tough session for ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices sank overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 5.5% to US$71.50 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has sunk 5.2% to US$75.16 a barrel. This was driven by worries about a U.S. debt default and expectations that fuel demand could suffer if central banks in the U.S. and Europe raise interest rates again this week.

Buy Woolworths shares

The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price could be great value according to Goldman Sachs. This morning, the broker has reiterated its conviction buy rating with an improved price target of $42.80. In response to its third-quarter update, the broker said: "We tweak our FY23-25e group sales by ~+1% and NPAT by 0.4%-1.1% respectively. This is due to slightly higher sales across all key business segments while our margin views remain intact. Our updated forecasts imply FY22-25e ~3.4% sales CAGR and ~9.6% CAGR for EBIT/NPAT respectively."

Gold price jumps

Gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) will be on watch after the gold price jumped overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 1.6% to US$2,024.2 an ounce. The market selloff appears to have increased demand for safe haven assets.

Megaport shares a buy

The team at Morgans believes that Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) shares could be heading even higher after last week's heroics. This morning, the broker retained its add rating with an improved price target of $9.00. It highlights that "management's guidance for FY23 and FY24 was well ahead of consensus expectations."

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 Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Megaport. 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

Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.
Broker Notes

Invest $1,000 into Pilbara Minerals and these ASX 200 stocks

Analysts have named these shares as top picks for a $1,000 investment. Let's see why.

Read more »

Happy young couple saving money in piggy bank.
Opinions

Want to start investing in ASX shares? Here's what I'd buy

This is where I’d begin to put my money in the stock market.

Read more »

A female ASX investor looks through a magnifying glass that enlarges her eye and holds her hand to her face with her mouth open as if looking at something of great interest or surprise.
Broker Notes

3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy in 2025

Let's see why analysts at Bell Potter are bullish on these shares next year.

Read more »

People of different ethnicities in a room taking a big selfie, symbolising diversification.
Opinions

Want diversification? Get it instantly with these ASX 200 shares

Some businesses offer a lot more diversification than others.

Read more »

A happy man and woman on a computer at Christmas, indicating a positive trend for retail shares.
Opinions

2 ASX 200 shares I'd want to receive as a present today

Merry Christmas! Are there any stocks under your tree?

Read more »

a young woman raises her hands in joyful celebration as she sits at her computer in a home environment.
Share Gainers

Why Avita Medical, GenusPlus, Mesoblast, and Polynovo shares are storming higher

These shares are having a better day than most today. But why?

Read more »

Three guys in shirts and ties give the thumbs down.
Share Fallers

Why Charter Hall Retail, DroneShield, FBR, and St Barbara shares are tumbling today

These shares are having a tough time on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

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

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these stocks.

Read more »