On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) continued its winning streak with the smallest of gains. The benchmark index rose 1.2 points to 7,237.2 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:
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ASX 200 expected to fall
The Australian share market is expected to have a subdued session on Thursday after a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 4 points or 1% lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.25%, but the S&P 500 fell 0.25% and the NASDAQ dropped 1.1%.
Seek rated as a buy
Analysts at Morgans are bullish on the Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK) share price. This morning, the broker has responded to the job listings company's investor day update by retaining its add rating and $28.40 price target. The broker notes that Seek is targeting $2 billion in revenue by FY 2028, which is well ahead of consensus estimate of $1.7 billion.
Oil prices ease
ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a soft session after oil prices eased on Wednesday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.5% to US$80.33 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.25% to US$84.72 a barrel. Economic growth concerns weighed on prices. In other news, Santos is holding its AGM today.
Dividends, dividends, dividends
On Thursday, the Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) share price is likely to trade lower after going ex-dividend. Last month, the building materials company declared an interim fully franked dividend of 23 cents per share. Elsewhere, it is payday for shareholders of a number of ASX 200 shares. This includes Atlas Arteria Group (ASX: ALX), InvoCare Limited (ASX: IVC), South32 Ltd (ASX: S32), and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).
Gold price edges lower
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) could have a quiet session after the gold price edged lower overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.1% to US$2,036.7 an ounce. Gold hit a one-year high before easing back a touch.
