5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

A better session is expected for Aussie investors today.

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

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 Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was well and truly out of form and sank deep into the red. The benchmark index fell 1.3% to 7,861.2 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 rise

The Australian share market looks set to end the week on a better note despite a mixed session in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 24 points or 0.3% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.2%, the S&P 500 fell 0.5%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 0.9%.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) could have a good finish to the week after oil prices charged higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.7% to US$78.13 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.65% to US$82.25 a barrel. This was driven by second quarter economic growth coming in stronger than expected.

Mineral Resources quarterly

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares will be on watch today when the mining and mining services company releases its quarterly update. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, it is forecasting iron ore shipments of 4.6Mt and spodumene shipments of 358kt for the fourth quarter. This is expected to be achieved with realised prices of US$95 per tonne and US$886 per tonne, respectively.

Gold price sinks

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a tough finish to the week after the gold price sank overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 2.3% to US$2,360.7 an ounce. The precious metal hit a two-week low after traders took profit.

Sell Fortescue shares

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares sank deep into the red on Thursday following the release of its quarterly update. Unfortunately, analysts at Goldman Sachs believe the iron ore giant's shares could continue to slide and have reiterated their sell rating with a reduced price target of $15.50. Based on the current Fortescue share price of $20.14, this implies potential downside of 23%. It said: "The stock is trading at a premium to RIO & BHP on our estimates; ~1.3x NAV vs. BHP at ~0.9x NAV and RIO at ~0.8x NAV."

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 Goldman Sachs Group. 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.

More on Share Market News

A young woman wearing a beanie as the snow falls around her smiles and opens a Christmas present in a box looking excited and smiling to represent the special dividend for Grange Resources shareholders announced today
Share Market News

Is a pre-Christmas RBA interest rate cut now off the table?

Can ASX investors expect the first RBA interest rate cut before Christmas?

Read more »

A happy couple drinking red wine in a vineyard as the Treasury Wine share price rises today
Broker Notes

Goldman Sachs reveals 3 ASX 200 shares to buy today

The top broker has buy ratings on a major miner, an investment company, and a wine stock.

Read more »

A woman stares at the candle on her cake, her birthday has fizzled.
Share Market News

Why is the ASX 200 retreating from its record high today?

Investors are ending the week on a sour note today...

Read more »

A young male investor wearing a white business shirt screams in frustration with his hands grasping his hair after ASX 200 shares fell rapidly today and appear to be heading into a stock market crash
Share Fallers

Why APA, Flight Centre, Harvey Norman, and Lynas shares are dropping today

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

Read more »

Five young people sit in a row having fun and interacting with their mobile phones.
Share Gainers

Why Beach Energy, BSA, Clarity, and Perpetual shares are pushing higher today

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

Read more »

A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city, sitting back and relaxed, confident in his ASX share investments for the long term.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now

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

Read more »

Paper aeroplane going down on a chart, symbolising a falling share price.
Travel Shares

Why did the Flight Centre share price just crash 17%?

Flight Centre shares are getting hammered on Friday. But why?

Read more »

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

Buy alert! Broker says this ASX 200 share can rise 30%+

Big returns could be on offer from this blue chip according to Bell Potter.

Read more »