On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fought hard and recorded the smallest of gains. The benchmark index rose 5.3 points to 7,365.5 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to edge lower
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 1 point lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones fell 0.25%, and the S&P 500 and NASDAQ ended largely flat.
Bank of Queensland results
The Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) share price will be one to watch today. That's because the regional bank will be releasing its half-year results this morning. While aspects of its results have been pre-released, the market will be looking for more colour on its margins and outlook. A 20 cents per share interim dividend is expected to be declared.
Oil prices ease
ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a tough session after oil prices pulled back on Wednesday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 2.2% to US$79.10 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2% to US$83.06 a barrel. A stronger US dollar and recession fears offset news of a large decline in US crude inventories.
Allkem quarterly
The Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) share price could be one to watch closely. This morning, the lithium miner is due to release its quarterly update. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, it expects the company to report a realised spodumene price of US$5,589 a tonne and a lithium carbonate price of US$48,371 a tonne. Goldman expects the latter will be from sales of 4.6kt, which is ahead of the consensus estimate of 4.4kt.
Gold price falls
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) could have a poor session after the gold price edged dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.65% to US$2,006.3 an ounce. Gold fell after bond yields climbed and doubts grew about the US Fed's rate-hike pause.
