On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) continued its positive run and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.25% to 8,973.2 points.
Will the market be able to build on 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 edge lower on Friday despite a decent night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 5 points lower this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.6%, the S&P 500 rose 0.6% and the Nasdaq climbed 0.8%.
Oil prices rebound
It could be a good finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices rebounded overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 4.65% to US$98.80 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 2% to US$96.68 a barrel. This was driven by concerns over the US-Iran ceasefire sticking.
Buy Life360 shares
Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) shares could be undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $35.50. It said: "There is, therefore, some risk around the Q1 result – scheduled to be released on 12th May – and the potential of a downgrade or softening of the global MAU growth target though, on the flip side, reiteration of the guidance could be taken positively as it would show confidence in the outlook."
Gold price rises
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a decent finish to the week after the gold price rose slightly overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.2% to US$4,785.9 an ounce. Ceasefire concerns and the release of US inflation data were behind the rise.
Buy Northern Star shares
Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares could be cheap according to Bell Potter. Ahead of the release of its quarterly update and following the announcement of a share buyback, the broker has retained its buy rating and $35.00 price target. It said: "The buy-back has minimal impact on our EPS estimates going forward, however the signalling of value in the underlying business is of more importance. As noted above, we see NST as hitting the bottom of production and earnings downgrades, with some margin compression to come from the impact of fuel prices."
The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360 and Woodside Energy Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026