5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Janus Henderson Group PLC (ASX:JHG) Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX:MQG), and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX:WPL) shares will be on watch on the ASX 200 on Friday. Here's why…

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 Thursday the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) continued its positive run with a 0.2% gain to 5,840.8 points.

Will the ASX 200 be able to build on this on Friday and finish the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX futures pointing higher.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 5 points or 0.1% higher on Friday. This follows a positive night of trade on Wall Street driven by easing trade tensions. The Dow Jones rose 1.1%, the S&P 500 climbed 1.1%, and the Nasdaq pushed 1.8% higher.

Macquarie first half results.

All eyes will be on investment bank Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) this morning. Macquarie is scheduled to be the fourth bank this week to release its latest results. It is expected to report a first half result "broadly in line with the 1H18 result."

Janus Henderson results.

The Janus Henderson Group PLC (ASX: JHG) share price will also be on watch today after its third quarter results release after the market close. Janus Henderson reported a solid investment performance during the quarter, leading to a lift in AUM to US$378.1 billion. The company posted adjusted diluted quarterly earnings per of US$0.69 and advised that it is on track to achieve its targeted cost synergies of US$125 million by end of 2018. This is significantly ahead of schedule.

Oil prices sink.

Energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) could come under pressure again today after oil prices tumbled overnight. According to Bloomberg, a surge in U.S. supply led to the WTI crude oil price falling 2.8% to US$63.51 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price dropping 3.1% to US$72.74 a barrel.

Dividends being paid.

A number of shares will be paying shareholders their latest dividends today. These include real estate wealth solutions provider Folkestone Limited (ASX: FLK), retailer Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN), coal miner New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC), and fertiliser producer Nufarm Limited (ASX: NUF).

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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

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 »

Father in the ocean with his daughters, symbolising passive income.
Dividend Investing

I'd spend $8k on these ASX 200 shares today to target a $6,102 annual passive income

I believe these ASX 200 shares will continue rewarding passive income investors for years to come.

Read more »

Three businesspeople leap high with the CBD in the background.
Share Market News

Boom! ASX 200 blasts to new record highs

ASX 200 investors just sent the benchmark index into uncharted territory.

Read more »