On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was well and truly on form and stormed notably higher. The benchmark rose 1.4% to 7,105.9 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 looks set to open the day lower on Thursday despite another positive night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 9 points or 0.1% lower this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.6%, the S&P 500 is up 0.35%, and the NASDAQ is 0.3% higher.
A2 Milk and other AGMs
A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) shares will be in focus today when the infant formula company holds its annual general meeting. The company is likely to provide an update on its performance during the first quarter at the event. Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) and Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) will also be holding their events today.
Oil prices tumble
It looks set to be a tough session for ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 2% to US$76.70 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.5% to US$81.23 a barrel. A large build in US stockpiles weighed on prices.
Life360 shares rated as a buy
The Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) share price could be heading even higher according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. This morning, in response to its quarterly update, Goldman has reiterated its buy rating on the location technology company's shares with a $10.50 price target. The broker said: "Even after today's share price performance, Life360 screens cheaply compared to domestic technology and global peers."
Gold price eases
ASX 200 gold shares such as Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) could have a subdued session after the gold price edged lower overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.1% to US$1,964.7 an ounce. A stronger US dollar put pressure on the gold price.
