5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Here's what to expect on the final trading day before the Christmas break.

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On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ran out of steam and dropped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.45% to 7,504.1 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to edge lower

The Australian share market looks set to end the week on a subdued note despite a rebound on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 2 points lower this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.45%, the S&P 500 is up 0.6%, and the NASDAQ is up 0.9%.

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) could have a soft finish to the week after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.4% to US$73.91 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.4% to US$79.40 a barrel. Oil prices fell after Angola revealed that it would quit OPEC.

Iron ore prices lift

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares had a strong session on Wall Street overnight and are likely to replicate this on the ASX boards on Friday. This was driven partly by a decent rise in iron ore prices. The spot benchmark iron ore price rose 2.6% to US$137.35 a tonne.

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) will be on watch today after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.35% to US$2,054.5 an ounce. Strong US economic data boosted rate cut prospects.

Dividend payday

A couple of ASX 200 shares will be paying out their latest dividends today. This includes banking giant ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and gold giant Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM). The former will be paying a total of 94 cents per share to its shareholders.

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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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