5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Another tough session awaits Australian investors today.

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On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a day to forget. The benchmark index fell 1.4% to 7,523.2 points.

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

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ASX 200 expected to fall again

The Australian share market looks set for another difficult session 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 17 points or 0.2% lower this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is down 0.4%, the S&P 500 has fallen 0.4%, and the Nasdaq is 0.75% lower.

Oil prices rebound

It looks set to be a good session for ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices rebounded overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 3.1 % to US$72.59 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 2.9% to US$78.07 a barrel. Middle East tensions and comments out of OPEC boosted prices.

Suncorp rated as a buy

Goldman Sachs remains bullish on Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) shares following its claims update. It highlights that "SUN expects to remain within allowances for 1H24 and we note an otherwise benign perils environment." Goldman has a buy rating and a $15.13 price target on the insurance giant's shares.

Gold price tumbles

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a poor session on Wednesday after the gold price tumbled overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 1.5% to US$2,041.4 an ounce. This follows the release of minutes from the US Federal Reserve.

Big miners in focus

Mining giants BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) look set to have another tough session on Wednesday after falling on Wall Street again overnight. Investors were selling the miners despite the iron ore price creeping higher.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. 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.

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