5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX:BEN), Oil Search Limited (ASX:OSH), and Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX:RHC) shares will be on watch on Friday. Here's why…

| More on:
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 S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) pushed higher for a second day in a row, finishing it up 0.3% at 6,169 points.

Will the local market be able to build on this on Friday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX futures pointing higher.

According to the latest SPI futures, the Australian share market is set to open day higher on Friday. The latest futures contracts are pointing to a gain of 0.15% or 9 points at the open. This follows a disappointing night of trade on Wall Street which late in the session sees the Dow Jones down 0.1%, the S&P 500 down 0.1%, and the Nasdaq slightly lower.

Oil prices mixed.

Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares will be on watch on Friday after a mixed night of trade for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price rose 0.15% to US$57.02 a barrel, but the Brent crude oil price tumbled a sizeable 0.65% to US$65.96 a barrel.

Ramsay rated as a sell.

The Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) share price climbed 6% on Thursday following the release of its half year results. One broker that wasn't overly impressed with what it saw was Goldman Sachs. According to a note out of the broker, its analysts have retained their sell rating but lifted the price target on its shares slightly to $52.00. Goldman has concerns over incremental pricing/case-mix headwinds, which it expects to persist and develop further from here.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank goes ex-dividend.

The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) share price is expected to trade around 3.5% lower on Friday after going ex-dividend for the regional bank's fully franked interim dividend of 35 cents per share. This dividend will then be paid to eligible Bendigo and Adelaide Bank shareholders in four weeks on March 28.

Other shares going ex-dividend.

A number of other shares are trading ex-dividend this morning and are likely to slide into the red. These include waste management company Bingo Industries Ltd (ASX: BIN), building products company Boral Limited (ASX: BLD), steel producer BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL), and fuel retailer Caltex Australia Limited (ASX: CTX).

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

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 »