On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a tough time and dropped deep into the red. The benchmark index sank 1.3% to 6,981.6 points.
Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to fall again
The Australian share market looks set to end the week on a disappointing note following a poor session on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 43 points or 0.6% lower this morning. In late trade on the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.75%, the S&P 500 is down 0.85%, and the NASDAQ is down 0.95%.
Oil prices rise
ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could end the week strongly following a positive night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.2% to US$90.24 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.8% to US$93.10 a barrel. Middle East tensions continue to boost prices.
Liontown to return
Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares will finally return to trade on Friday. The lithium developer has been suspended while it sought to raise capital following the collapse of its takeover. Liontown revealed that it is raising the funds at $1.80 per share, which represents a hefty 35% discount on its current price.
Gold price rises
ASX 200 gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good finish to the week after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 1.1% to US$1,989.8 an ounce. Middle East tensions and US Fed rate hike pause hopes lifted the precious metal.
Corp Travel shares named as buy
Analysts at Goldman Sachs believe that Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) shares are great value. In response to its first-quarter update, the broker has reiterated its buy rating with a $20.50 price target. This implies a potential upside of 20% for investors. It said: "We reiterate Buy on CTD largely due to continued recovery in Travel."
