5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

It could be a tough finish to the week for Aussie investors.

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On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form and ended the session lower. The benchmark index fell 0.25% to 8,160 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 sink

The Australian share market looks set to fall on Friday following a disappointing session in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 48 points or 0.6% lower this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is down 0.55%, the S&P 500 is down 1.5%, and the Nasdaq is 2.4% lower. The latter was driven by heavy declines from Microsoft and Meta.

Oil prices storm higher

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 stormed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.5% to US$70.29 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$73.17 a barrel. Strong US fuel demand gave prices a lift.

Coles rated neutral

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares are fully valued according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. In response to its quarterly update, the broker has retained its neutral rating on the supermarket giant's shares with a trimmed price target of $18.50. It said: "COL reported an in-line 1Q25 sales update with in-line Supermarket sales with high quality comparable growth achieved vs WOW despite not having a collectibles program and no negative alert on margins. Post the management call, we stay Neutral with an updated TP of A$18.50."

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a poor end to the week after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1.6% to US$2,757.3 an ounce. The gold price consolidated after reaching a record high. Though, it is on course for its fourth month of gains in a row.

AGMs

A number of ASX 200 shares are holding their annual general meetings on Friday and could provide updates at their events. Among the companies holding their meetings today are network as a service provider Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1), New Zealand based telco Spark New Zealand Ltd (ASX: SPK), and leading insurance broker Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF).

Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group, Megaport, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Coles Group and Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Meta Platforms and Microsoft. 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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