5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

Mesoblast limited (ASX:MSB) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX:WPL) shares will be on watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday…

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 Monday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was back on form and charged notably higher. The benchmark index jumped 1.75% to 6,789.6 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to rise again

It looks set to be another positive day for the Australian share market on Tuesday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 53 points or 0.8% higher this morning. This follows a fantastic start to the week on Wall Street, which in late trade sees the Dow Jones up 2.15%, the S&P 500 up 2.4%, and the Nasdaq index trading 2.6% higher.

Reserve Bank meeting

The Reserve Bank of Australia is meeting this afternoon to discuss the cash rate. According to the latest cash rate futures, the market is current pricing in a 69% probability of a rate cut to zero. However, according to the most recent Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) weekly economic report, its team doesn't expect the central bank to make a move despite the recent developments in the bond market.

Oil prices weaken further

Energy producers such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) could come under pressure today after oil prices weakened. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.9% to US$60.32 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has fallen 1.45% to US$63.50 a barrel.

Gold price edges lower

Gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) will be on watch after the gold price edged lower. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down a further 0.3% to US$1,723.70 an ounce. This appears to have been driven by increasing risk appetite.

Mesoblast shares to return

The Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) share price is due to return from its trading halt this morning. The biotech company requested the halt last Friday so that it could raise funds to keep its operations going. No details have been released, other than that the company "has commenced a proposed equity-based private placement to a targeted industry investor to fund operations."

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Westpac Banking. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

A man in his 30s with a clipped beard sits at his laptop on a desk with one finger to the side of his face and his chin resting on his thumb as he looks concerned while staring at his computer screen.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Northern Star, and Sigma shares

Are these popular shares buys? Here's how analysts rate them.

Read more »

Business man marking buy on board and underlining it.
Broker Notes

6 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy status after March sell-off

The ASX All Ords fell 8% in March after the US and Israel attacked Iran and oil and gas prices…

Read more »

Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

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

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Market News

Why Beetaloo, Fortescue, Orora, and Whitehaven Coal shares are dropping today

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

Read more »

Man in a business suit leaps off a boulder in front of a blue sky.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 stocks surging 13% to 36% in this shortened trading week

Investors sent these three ASX 200 stocks flying higher following the Easter break. But why?

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Amaero, Mesoblast, Telix, and Tivan shares are charging higher today

These shares are ending the week on a high. But why?

Read more »

A young couple stands next to a real estate agent in an empty apartment they are inspecting.
Real Estate Shares

Mirvac shares sink to their lowest level since 2015. Is this ASX property giant back on the radar?

Multi-year lows put Mirvac shares back on investors’ watchlists today.

Read more »

surprised child reading all about asx 200 shares in a newspaper
Share Market News

Why Magellan, Telix and Fortescue shares are grabbing headlines on Friday

Telix, Magellan, and Fortescue shares are catching ASX investor interest today. But why?

Read more »