5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

It looks set to be a tough finish to the week…

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form again and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.5% to 7,152.5 points.

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

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.

Image source: Getty Images

ASX 200 expected to sink

The Australian share market looks set to end the week in the red after a selloff on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 99 points or 1.4% lower this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 1.9%, the S&P 500 has sunk 2.4%, and the Nasdaq has crashed 3.1%. Interest rate hike concerns weighed on the market after some strong economic data.

Oil prices tumble

Energy producers Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a bad finish to the week after oil prices dropped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.15% to US$77.38 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.55% to US$80.84 a barrel. Recession fears weighed on global markets.

Blackmores rated neutral

The Blackmores Ltd (ASX: BKL) share price could be fully valued according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. This morning, the broker has retained its neutral rating with a trimmed $75.80 price target. It said: "Despite the opportunity for longer term growth remaining significant, we believe the current share price captures the risk/reward profile of this investment."

Gold price falls

Gold shares Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) could have a poor finish to the week after the gold price fell overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 1.7% to US$1,794.6 an ounce. Traders were selling gold after US economic data supported the US Federal Reserve's rate hike plans.

TPG shares upgraded

The TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) share price could be a buy according to analysts at Morgans. After recent weakness, its analysts believe value has emerged and that investors should be taking advantage. It said: "We think the bad news is now priced in and see value at current levels. We upgrade TPG to an Add recommendation (from Hold)." Morgans has a $5.50 price target on TPG's shares.

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 recommended Blackmores and Tpg Telecom. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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