5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

A big day of results awaits investors and the ASX 200 on Wednesday.

A man sitting at his dining table looks at his laptop and ponders the CSL balance sheet and the value of CSL shares today

Image source: Getty Images

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 Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) carved out the smallest of gains. The benchmark index rose a modest 1.9 points to 7,311.1 points.

Will the market be able to build on this Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to edge lower

The Australian share market looks set to fall on Wednesday following a poor night of trade on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 5 points or 0.1% lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones fell 0.45%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.4%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 0.8%.

CBA results

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price will be one to watch today. That's because the banking giant is scheduled to release its full-year results this morning. The analyst consensus estimate is for second-half cash earnings of $5,014 million. This would take its full-year cash earnings to $10,167 million. A $2.24 per share fully franked final dividend is also expected from Australia's largest bank.

Oil prices rise

It looks set to be a decent session for ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices rose overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.1% to US$82.80 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has fallen 0.8% to US$86.03 a barrel. Strong US economic data boosted prices.

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares such as Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a subdued session after the gold price fell overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.5% to US$1,959.5 an ounce. A stronger US dollar pushed the gold price to a one-month low.

Suncorp FY 2023 results

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) shares will also be in focus today when the insurance giant releases its full-year results. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts expect Suncorp to report cash earnings of $1,240 million, cash earnings per share of 94 cents, and dividends per share of 70 cents.

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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

A young woman holds her hand to her mouth in surprise as she reads something on her laptop.
Share Market News

These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 40%

Let's see which shares analysts are recommending to clients for 2026.

Read more »

A young woman wearing a beanie as the snow falls around her smiles and opens a Christmas present in a box looking excited and smiling to represent the special dividend for Grange Resources shareholders announced today
Share Market News

5 amazing ASX 200 shares I want Santa to bring me for Christmas

I wish I could unwrap these shares on Christmas morning.

Read more »

ETF written in white and in shopping baskets.
ETFs

I plan to invest $1,000s into these 2 ASX ETFs in 2026

These two ETFs are very appealing!

Read more »

santa looks intently at his mobile phone with gloved finger raised and christmas tree in the background.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

The ASX couldn't get into the Christmas spirit on our last trading day of the week.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Share Market News

NEXTDC receives approval for new S4 Sydney Data Centre

NEXTDC has secured development approval for its S4 Sydney Data Centre, supporting future growth in digital infrastructure.

Read more »

Smiling man working on his laptop.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Medibank, PLS, and Woolworths shares

Analysts have given their verdicts on these shares. Are they bullish or bearish?

Read more »

a business man in a suit holds his hand over his eyes as he bows his head in a defeated post suggesting regret and remorse.
Share Fallers

Why Brightstar, EVT, Monash IVF, and Pro Medicus shares are dropping today

These shares aren't spreading the Christmas cheer on Wednesday.

Read more »