5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Here's what to watch on Wednesday…

Investor sitting in front of multiple screens watching share prices

Image source: Getty Images

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 Tuesday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form and edged lower. The benchmark index ended the day 0.2% lower at 7,474.5 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 futures pointing higher

The Australian share market is expected to push higher on Wednesday following a strong night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 12 points or 0.15% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones rose 0.8%, the S&P 500 stormed 0.8% higher, and the Nasdaq pushed 0.55% higher.

CBA shares given sell rating

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is overvalued ahead of its results release according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. This morning the broker retained its sell rating and $81.87 price target. Although the broker expects a strong result and a special $3.5 billion or 200 cents per share dividend, it isn't enough for a more positive rating. Goldman continues to believe there are better options elsewhere in the sector.

Oil prices fall

Energy producers such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) could come under pressure on Wednesday after a poor night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.9% to US$70.61 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.6% to US$72.47 a barrel. This was driven by concerns that rising COVID-19 cases could reduce demand.

Afterpay share price likely to end winning run

The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price could end its winning run and trade lower on Wednesday. Overnight the Square share price ran out of steam and dropped 1%. Given that the Square-Afterpay deal is an all-scrip one, the two shares are intrinsically linked. This means when Square's shares rise, the Afterpay share price should also. And vice versa when it declines.

Gold price falls

Gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) will be on watch after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.5% to US$1,813.60 an ounce. Traders were selling gold ahead of some important economic data in the United States. This jobs data could determine how soon the US Federal Reserve starts to reduce its economic support.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO. 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

CEO of a company talking to her team.
Share Market News

Ansell announces CEO transition: Nathalie Ahlström to succeed Neil Salmon in 2026

Current CEO Neil Salmon will retire in February 2026.

Read more »

A senior couple sets at a table looking at documents as a professional looking woman sits alongside them as if giving retirement and investing advice.
Share Market News

Ramelius Resources reports steady gold output; FY26 guidance reaffirmed

Ramelius Resources reports strong December quarter gold production.

Read more »

A woman is very excited about something she's just seen on her computer, clenching her fists and smiling broadly.
Share Market News

Monadelphous lands $110m in new contracts across sectors

Monadelphous shares are in focus after securing $110 million in new contracts across resources, energy, and renewables.

Read more »

Buy now written on a red key with a shopping trolley on an Apple keyboard.
Broker Notes

Experts rate these 2 ASX shares as buys this month!

Leading analysts say these stocks are a buy.

Read more »

A person sitting at a desk smiling and looking at a computer.
Opinions

3 ASX shares I'd buy with $30,000 this week

These ASX shares have piqued my interest this week.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a white shirt and blue suit jacket sits at his desk looking at his laptop with his hands to his chin, waiting in anticipation.
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Here's what to expect on the local market today.

Read more »

Man reading an e-book with his feet up and piles of books next to him.
Broker Notes

What's Bell Potter's view on SGH shares after the BlueScope Steel acquisition proposal?

What should investors expect after Monday's announcement?

Read more »

Hand of a woman carrying a bag of money, representing the concept of saving money or earning dividends.
Dividend Investing

Forget BHP shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income

I can think of a few options I’d prefer over the mining giant.

Read more »