On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a subdued session and edged into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.1% to 8,719.7 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 jump
The Australian share market looks set for a great session on Friday following a strong night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 93 points or 1.05% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 1.1%, the S&P 500 rose 0.35% and the Nasdaq edged 0.1% higher.
Oil prices mixed
ASX 200 energy shares including Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) will be on watch today after a mixed night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.65% to US$97.62 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.25% to US$105.81 a barrel. This follows reports that Iran is stepping up attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Buy Netwealth shares
The Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) share price offers major upside potential according to Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating and $25.00 price target on the investment platform provider's shares. It commented: "We like the depressed valuation multiple, and strategic investments made, with early runs on the board. Trading on 28x earnings, the multiple stands at a 5-year low and has retraced back to its historical spread over the S&P/ASX 200."
Gold price jumps
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a good finish to the week after the gold price charged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 2% to US$4,191.5 an ounce. Traders were buying gold in response to a weaker US dollar and Treasury yields.
Buy Evolution Mining shares
Bell Potter thinks Evolution Mining shares are undervalued at current levels. This morning, the broker has responded to the gold miner's quarterly update by retaining its buy rating with an improved price target of $15.85. It said: "EVN offers fully unhedged gold and copper exposure via a portfolio of high quality, long-life assets in Tier 1 jurisdictions, overseen by a high-quality management team. EVN has delivered on its promise to increase shareholder returns and gold price exposure. Our NPV-based valuation lifts 2%, to $15.85/sh. We retain our Buy recommendation."
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 Woodside Energy Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. 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