5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

It looks set to be a much better day of trade for the ASX 200 on Thursday.

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 Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had another disappointing session and dropped into the red. The benchmark fell 0.5% to 7,199.2 points.

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

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

Image Source: Getty Images

ASX 200 expected to rebound

The Australian share market is expected to have a strong session on Thursday after a stellar night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 40 points or 0.55% higher this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 1.25%, the S&P 500 climbed 1.2% and the NASDAQ jumped 1.3%. Optimism over a US debt ceiling deal being reached gave stocks a boost.

Xero FY 2023 results

The Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price will be on watch today when the cloud accounting platform provider releases its full-year results. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts are expecting FY 2023 revenue growth of 29% to NZ$1,410 million and EBITDA of NZ$295 million. It also expects "operating expenses (as % sale) to be lower end of 80-85% range (GSe 81.6%) and c.80% in 2H23 (GSe. 79.5%)." Goldman is then looking for FY 2024 guidance of 17% revenue growth to NZ$1.65 billion.

Oil prices jump

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a great session after oil prices stormed higher on Wednesday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.7% to US$72.76 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 2.7% to US$76.90 a barrel. The US debt ceiling deal optimism also boosted oil prices.

Virgin Money shares go ex-dividend

The Virgin Money UK PLC (ASX: VUK) share price is likely to trade lower on Thursday. That's because the UK bank's shares are going ex-dividend this morning for its interim dividend of 6.2 cents per share. Eligible shareholders can look forward to receiving this dividend in a little over a month on 21 June.

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) could have a subdued session after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.3% to US$1,986.7 an ounce. Hawkish cues from US Fed officials put pressure on gold.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. 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 male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat, BHP, and Woodside shares 

Analysts have given their verdict on these shares. What are they saying?

Read more »

Businessman working and using Digital Tablet new business project finance investment at coffee cafe.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Cochlear, South32, and Westpac shares

Analysts have given their verdict on these popular shares.

Read more »

Woman with a scared look has hands on her face.
Share Market News

These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Let's see which shares short sellers are targeting this week.

Read more »

A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: ANZ, Breville, and Macquarie shares

Is Morgans bullish or bearish on these shares in April? Let's find out.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane seat works on his laptop.
Broker Notes

Down 34% in 2026, are Virgin Australia shares a good buy today?

A leading analyst delivers his outlook for Virgin Australia’s beaten-down shares.

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 »

A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.
Broker Notes

Why these ASX shares are rated as buys in April

Let's see what makes them bullish on these names right now.

Read more »