On Wednesday the S&P/ASX 200 index was out of form and tumbled notably lower. The benchmark index finished the day a disappointing 0.8% lower at 6,689.5 points.
Will the local share market be able to bounce back on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 futures pointing higher.
The S&P/ASX 200 index looks set to bounce back on Thursday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to rise 0.1% or 6 points this morning. This follows a positive night of trade on Wall Street which saw the Dow Jones rise 0.4%, the S&P 500 up 0.3%, and the Nasdaq climb 0.3%.
US Federal Reserve cuts rates.
The U.S. Federal Reserve elected to cut rates by 25 basis points to the range of 1.5% to 1.75% overnight. However, the central bank indicated that it would now pause with its cuts. Its statement said: "The Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook as it assesses the appropriate path of the target range for the federal funds rate."
ANZ results.
The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) share price will be on watch today when the banking giant releases its full year results. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts expect its cash earnings from continued operations (pre-one-offs) to be up 0.9% to $6,545 million. A final dividend of 80 cents is expected to be declared.
Oil prices lower.
Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could come under pressure today after oil prices tumbled lower. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price fell 1.2% to US$54.90 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price dropped 1.7% to US$60.53 a barrel. A rise in US inventories put pressure on prices.
Gold price rises.
The Federal Reserve's decision to cut rates gave the gold price a boost overnight, much to the delight of shareholders of gold miners including Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR). According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.5% to US$1,497.90 an ounce.
