On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form again and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.5% to 7,236.8 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Friday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to rise
The Australian share market looks set to end the week in a positive fashion following a strong night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 14 points or 0.2% higher this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.35%, the S&P 500 rose 0.95%, and the NASDAQ jumped 1.5%.
Xero shares rated as a buy
The Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price was on fire on Thursday following the release of the cloud accounting platform provider's full-year results. The good news is that Goldman Sachs sees potential for its shares to keep rising. This morning, the broker has responded to the result by reiterating its buy rating with an improved price target of $130.00.
Oil prices fall
ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a poor finish to the week after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.1% to US$72.10 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.2% to US$76.05 a barrel. A stronger US dollar weighed on prices.
Gold price tumbles
Gold shares Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) could have a tough session after the gold price tumbled overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 1.25% to US$1,960.2 an ounce. Hawkish US Fed bets put pressure on gold.
Aristocrat still a buy
Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) shares fell yesterday following the release of the gaming technology company's half-year results. Goldman Sachs sees this as a buying opportunity and has reiterated its conviction buy rating with an improved price target of $46.70. It said: "While the market reaction to this update was weak, which we believe to be largely driven by Pixel United, the update offers incremental support to our Buy thesis."
