5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Here's what to expect on the local market today.

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 a poor session and dropped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.3% to 7,987.9 points.

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

Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking

Image Source: Getty Images

ASX 200 expected to rise

It looks set to be a better session for Aussie investors on Thursday following a solid night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 32 points or 0.4% higher this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.3%, the S&P 500 rose 1.1%, and the Nasdaq jumped 2.2%.

Oil prices rebound

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a better session after oil prices rebounded overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.2% to US$67.19 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.95% to US$70.54 a barrel. Traders appear to believe that oil prices were oversold this week.

BHP goes ex-dividend

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are going ex-dividend on Thursday and could trade lower. Last month, the Big Australian released its full year results and declared a final dividend of 74 US cents per share. This is the equivalent of A$1.09 per share in local currency, which represents a 2.8% dividend yield based on its last close price. This will be paid to eligible shareholders at the start of next month on 3 October.

Gold price edges lower

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a subdued session after the gold price edged lower overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.1% to US$2,541.4 an ounce. This follows the release of inflation data in the United States that wasn't overly supportive of a supersized interest rate cut.

REA shares rated as a buy

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) shares are good value according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. In response to news that the property listings company has had an $11 billion takeover offer for Rightmove (LSE: RMV) rejected, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating and $221.00 price target on the realestate.com.au operator's shares. Goldman advised that it continues to believe that REA Group "has one of the best risk/reward profiles in our domestic media coverage."

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 and REA Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Rightmove Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended REA 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

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 »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Broker Notes

Are CBA shares still a good buy for passive income?

A leading analyst delivers his verdict on CBA’s passive income appeal.

Read more »