5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

The ASX 200 looks set to end the week on a decent note…

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 Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a day to forget and crashed deep into the red. The benchmark index lost 2% of its value and dropped to 6,845.6 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking

Image Source: Getty Images

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set to end the week on a positive note. This follows a volatile but decent night of trade on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 22 points or 0.3% higher this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.45% and the S&P 500 rose 0.3%, but the Nasdaq edged 0.25% lower. At one stage the all three indices were deep in the red.

Oil prices continue to drop

Energy producers such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a poor finish to the week after oil prices fell again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 3.7% to US$86.26 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 3.9% to US$91.94 a barrel. Recession fears and lockdowns in China are weighing on prices.

Shares going ex-dividend

A number of ASX 200 shares are going ex-dividend on Friday and could trade lower. This includes fuel retailer Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD), supermarket operator Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), automotive retailer Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE), and mining and mining services company Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN).

Gold price sinks

Gold miners including Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) could have a difficult finish to the week after the gold price sank overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 1.2% to US$1,706.70 an ounce. A stronger US dollar and rate hike fears appear to be weighing on the precious metal.

Rio Tinto rated as a buy

The Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price could be great value according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. This morning the broker responded to news that the mining giant has agreed to acquire Turquoise Hill by retaining its buy rating and $121.50 price target. The broker said: "Agreement in principle for TRQ below our valuation, implies ~0.7xNAV."

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. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended COLESGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A young investor working on his ASX shares portfolio on his laptop.
Share Market News

Challenger shares in focus as APRA unveils new capital rules

APRA finalises new capital rules for longevity product providers, with updates coming at Challenger’s May 2026 Investor Day.

Read more »

A man wearing a red jacket and mountain hiking clothes stands at the top of a mountain peak and looks out over countless mountain ranges.
Opinions

2 incredible ASX shares to buy in April

I rate these potential investments as exciting buys…

Read more »

Two people lazing in deck chairs on a beautiful sandy beach throw their hands up in the air.
Retirement

Why Soul Patts shares are a retiree's dream

This could be one of the best picks for retirees. Here’s why.

Read more »

Different Australian dollar notes in the palm of two hands, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

An ASX dividend stalwart every Australian should consider buying

This business has a great track dividend record. I think it’s a strong buy…

Read more »

Happy shareholders clap and smile as they listen to a company earnings report.
Share Market News

Magellan Financial Group shares in focus after $20m share plan hits target

Magellan Financial Group raised $20 million through its oversubscribed share purchase plan, with new shares set to begin trading in…

Read more »

An excited man stretches his arms out above his head as he reaches a mountain peak.
Share Market News

West African Resources: 2026 production guidance forecasts record gold output

West African Resources guides for record 2026 gold production and considers dividends or buybacks as free cash flow rises.

Read more »

Man with virtual white circles on his eye and AI written on top, symbolising artificial intelligence.
Share Market News

Bullish on artificial intelligence? Here are 3 ASX shares I'd buy

These ASX stocks offer exposure to the infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence growth.

Read more »

A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city, sitting back and relaxed, confident in his ASX share investments for the long term.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Endeavour, Magellan, and Rio Tinto shares

The team at Morgans has been running the rule over these shares recently.

Read more »