5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Here's what to expect on the ASX 200 on Wednesday…

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 dropped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.4% to 7,454 points.

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

Young man with a laptop in hand watching stocks and trends on a digital chart.

Image Source: Getty Images

ASX 200 expected to edge lower

The Australian share market looks set to edge lower on Wednesday following a poor night in the US. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 3 points lower this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones fell 0.25%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.35%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 0.3%. Inflation concerns weighed on investor sentiment.

Oil prices jump

Energy producers such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a great day after oil prices jumped. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 6.8 % to US$100.75 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has risen 6.4% to US$104.76 a barrel. This follows the easing of lockdowns in Shanghai and OPEC warning that it would be impossible to replace potential supply losses from Russia.

EML takeover rumours swirl

The EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML) share price will be one to watch this morning amid rumours the payments company held takeover talks with private equity firm Bain Capital. According to the AFR, the two parties ultimately failed to agree on a deal after a period of due diligence. EML is currently one of the most shorted ASX 200 shares with short interest of 9.5%. Those short sellers may have dodged a bullet on this occasion.

Gold price rises

Gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a decent day after the gold price pushed higher. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 1.1% to US$1,969.1 an ounce. The gold price was given a boost from a US inflation reading that was the highest in four decades.

IDP remains a buy

The IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) share price could be a top option for investors according to Goldman Sachs. This morning the broker retained its buy rating and lifted its price target on the student placement and language testing company's shares to $35.50. Goldman notes that international student visa data shows the recovery is underway in Australia.

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 and has recommended EML Payments. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended EML Payments. 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 a suit smiles at the yellow piggy bank he holds in his hand.
Broker Notes

Should you buy CBA shares for their 'consistent profitability'?

A leading analyst gives his outlook for CBA’s outperforming shares.

Read more »

An army soldier in combat uniform takes a phone call in the field.
Opinions

Forget DroneShield shares, I'd buy these ASX defence stocks instead

These ASX defence stocks look like they have a better upside than DroneShield shares over the next 12 months.

Read more »

A cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news on his mobile phone
Cheap Shares

3 super cheap ASX 200 shares I'd buy right now

These ASX 200 shares are trading at dirt-cheap prices right now.

Read more »

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
Share Gainers

Why 29Metals, Aurelia Metals, Codan, and oOhMedia shares are racing higher today

These shares are faring better than most on hump day. What's going on?

Read more »

A farmer pats a small beef cattle bovine on the head in a green field with trees in the background.
IPOs

This recent ASX IPO stock just reported 92% revenue growth

Sea Forest recently listed on the ASX in November 2025.

Read more »

Two kids play joyfully in the crashing waves.
Share Market News

Why Ramelius, Liontown and Woodside shares are making waves on Wednesday

Liontown, Ramelius Resources, and Woodside shares are making headlines today. But why?

Read more »

An older man wearing glasses and a pink shirt sits back on his lounge with his hands behind his head and blowing air out of his cheeks.
Share Fallers

Why Catalyst Metals, G8 Education, Meteoric Resources, and Westgold shares are falling today

These shares are having a tough time on hump day. But why?

Read more »

Inflation ahead written in black on a yellow sign.
Share Market News

Why did the ASX 200 just rebound following the hottest inflation print since 2023?

ASX 200 investors favoured their buy buttons after the latest Aussie inflation reading. But why?

Read more »