On Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was back on form again and pushed higher. The benchmark index climbed 0.5% to 6,210.3 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Friday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 futures pointing lower.
The ASX 200 is expected to edge lower on Friday after a soft night of trade on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the benchmark index is poised to open the day 2 points lower this morning. In late trade in the United States the Dow Jones is down 0.05%, the S&P 500 is 0.15% lower, and the Nasdaq is down 0.4%.
Rio Tinto update.
The Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price will be on watch on Friday when it releases its third quarter update. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts expect Rio Tinto to report iron ore shipments of 83.3Mt and copper production of 91kt. This will be a quarter on quarter decline of 4% and 32%, respectively.
Gold price edges higher.
Gold miners such as Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR) could have a positive day after the gold price edged higher. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.1% to US$1,909.60 an ounce.
GUD trading update
The GUD Holdings Limited (ASX: GUD) share price could be on the rise today after the products company released a positive trading update. That update revealed that its strong sales performance has continued across both Auto and Water divisions. This led to GUD reporting a 14% increase in first quarter group sales. No guidance has been given for the first half or full year. Goldman Sachs was pleased with this update and retained its buy rating and lifted its price target to $14.75.
Oil prices drop lower.
Energy producers such as Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a tough finish to the week after oil prices dropped lower. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.3% to US$40.93 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.5% to US$43.08 a barrel. Traders were selling oil amid concerns that lockdowns would hurt demand.
