5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

It is a huge day for Aussie investors. Here's what to expect.

Broker looking at the share price on her laptop with green and red points in the background.

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 Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form and dropped into the red again. The benchmark index fell 0.7% to 8,419.2 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to tumble

The Australian share market looks set to tumble again on Thursday despite it being a decent night of trade on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 53 point or 0.6% lower this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up slightly, the S&P 500 is up 0.25%, and the Nasdaq is 0.2% higher.

Big results day

It is a very big day of results releases with a collection of well-known ASX 200 shares releasing their latest numbers. This includes ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) with its first quarter update, Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) with their half year results, and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) with its full year results.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a decent session after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.65% to US$72.31 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.3% to US$76.05 a barrel. Supply concerns gave prices a lift.

Gold price eases

It could be a subdued session for ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) on Thursday after the gold price edged lower overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.25% to US$2,941.6 an ounce. Traders appear to have been taking profit after strong gains recently.

James Hardie rated as a buy

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) shares are good value according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating with a slightly increased price target of $59.45. It said: "We see upside from cyclical improvement and strategic execution against higher value product mix targets, which has scope to substantially improve group profitability. We are Buy-rated on the stock."

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 Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. 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 man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 30% to 50%

Brokers have good things to say about these cheap shares.

Read more »

Man jumps for joy in front of a background of a rising stocks graphic.
Share Market News

Record CBA share price and Iran-Israel ceasefire lift ASX 200 financials to new peak

ASX financial shares led the 11 market sectors last week, gaining 1.82% and reaching a record high.

Read more »

A female ASX investor looks through a magnifying glass that enlarges her eye and holds her hand to her face with her mouth open as if looking at something of great interest or surprise.
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 »

A happy young couple lie on a wooden deck using a skateboard for a pillow.
Broker Notes

10 Aussie stocks to buy in FY 2026

Let's see which shares analysts think could be buys in the upcoming financial year.

Read more »

Person pretends to types on laptop drawn in sand.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a disappointing end to the trading week for investors this Friday.

Read more »

A young boy points and smiles as he eats fried chicken.
Share Gainers

3 ASX All Ords shares smashing the benchmark this week

Investors are sending these three ASX All Ords shares rocketing 18% to more than 29% this week. But why?

Read more »

watch
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

Read more »

Disappointed man with his head on his hand looking at a falling share price his a laptop.
Share Fallers

Why APA, Flight Centre, Reece, and Transurban shares are falling today

These shares are having a tough finish to the week. But why?

Read more »