5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Here's what to expect on the benchmark index today.

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On Tuesday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was back on form and charged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.95% to 7,520.5 points.

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

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ASX 200 expected to edge lower

The Australian share market looks set for a subdued session on Wednesday following a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 7 points or 0.1% lower. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is down 0.55%, the S&P 500 has fallen 0.2%, and the Nasdaq is 0.1% higher.

Oil prices rebound

It could 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 2.25% to US$72.35 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 2% to US$77.66 a barrel. Middle East tensions boosted oil prices.

Alumina shares upgraded

Goldman Sachs believes Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC) shares are good value and has upgraded them to a buy rating with a $1.43 price target. This implies a potential upside of approximately 46% for investors over the next 12 months. It said: "We believe that AWC has been oversold and the stock is undervalued on numerous metrics and that margins will start expanding in mid-24, and we upgrade the stock to a Buy as we believe the stock is attractive on a 12m view."

Gold price edges higher

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a mildly positive session on Wednesday after the gold price edged higher. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.1% to US$2,034.6 an ounce. The precious metal appears to be in a holding pattern ahead of the release of US inflation data.

Big miners likely to tumble

Mining giants BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) look set to open the day lower on Wednesday following a poor night of trade for their US-listed shares on Wall Street. Both miners are down over 2% in late trade on the NYSE.

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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