5 things to watch on the ASX on Thursday

Altura Mining Ltd (ASX:AJM), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX:MQG), and Santos Ltd (ASX:STO) shares will be on watch today. Here's what you need to know…

a woman

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 benchmark S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) dropped lower despite solid gains from many energy and materials shares. It finished the day down 0.3% at 6,247.6 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back on Thursday? Here are five things that could shape the day's trade:

ASX futures pointing higher.

According to the latest SPI futures, the local market is expected to follow Wall Street higher and open the day up 0.15% or 9 points on Thursday. Overnight the Dow Jones rose 0.7%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.9%, and the Nasdaq jumped 1.2%. The latter was driven by solid gains from FAANG stocks.

Facebook set to plunge.

The Nasdaq certainly will struggle to push higher tonight, though. In after hours trade the Facebook share price is down a whopping 20% following the release of its latest quarterly results. Although the social media giant posted a 42% lift in revenue, it fell short of the Bloomberg consensus estimate by around US$120 million. Furthermore, on its earnings call the company advised that it expected a slowdown in its revenue growth for the rest of the year.

Macquarie annual general meeting.

Later today Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) will hold its annual general meeting. There is speculation that the company's habit of under-promising and over-delivering could result in an increase to its guidance being made today. The investment bank has previous guided to earnings being flat in FY 2019.

Oil prices continue to push higher.

Energy producers such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a solid day of trade ahead of them after oil prices continued to climb. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price rose 1.1% to US$69.26 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price climbed 1.2% to US$74.35 a barrel. A decline in U.S. crude inventories has been the catalyst for these gains.

Altura Mining makes retractions.

Altura Mining Ltd (ASX: AJM) shares will be on watch today after the lithium miner was forced to retract forecast financial information about peer group companies from a recent presentation after being quizzed by the ASX. The company acknowledged that it did not have a reasonable basis consistent with the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 170 for the forecasts.

James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Facebook. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Facebook. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. 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 happy young couple lie on a wooden deck using a skateboard for a pillow.
Share Gainers

These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in March

These shares made their shareholders smile in March thanks to some very big gains.

Read more »

Businessman using a digital tablet with a graphical chart, symbolising the stock market.
Opinions

2 ASX shares I have been buying in 2024!

I’m a believer in the long-term outlook of these stocks.

Read more »

Stock market chart in green with a rising arrow symbolising a rising share price.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a massive day for the ASX 200, with a new all-time high recorded.

Read more »

A man sits thoughtfully on the couch with a laptop on his lap.
Technology Shares

This ASX tech stock rocketed 60% in March! Can it keep on delivering?

After soaring in March, the ASX tech stock is now up 169% since this time last year.

Read more »

Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now

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

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Burgundy Diamond Mines, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, EML, and Zip are sinking today

These ASX shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A young women pumps her fists in excitement after seeing some good news on her laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Mesoblast, Newmont, Pilbara Minerals, and Platinum shares are jumping

These ASX shares are ending the week strongly. But why?

Read more »

a young boy dressed up in a business suit and tie has a cute grin and holds two fingers up.
Opinions

2 of my top ASX 200 shares to consider buying before April

I would happily exchange dollars for these two shares right now.

Read more »