On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a fantastic session. The benchmark index rose 1% to 7,782 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 poised to fall
The Australian share market looks set to end the week in the red despite a good night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 14 points or 0.2% lower this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.8%, the S&P 500 is up 0.45%, and the NASDAQ is up 0.35%.
Oil prices soften
ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) could have a subdued finish to the week after oil prices softened overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.3% to US$81.01 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.3% to US$85.71 a barrel. Weaker than expected gasoline demand in the US put pressure on prices.
Brickworks downgraded
The Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) share price could be fully valued now according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to the building products company's half-year results, the broker has downgraded its shares to a hold rating with a $29.00 price target. Bell Potter said: "We remain attracted to BKW's significant property development pipeline and ~50% short-WALE book in a supply constrained Western Sydney market. That said, with SOL's premium to NTA having widened to ~8% (BPe) we mark BKW at close to fair value at this time."
Gold price storms higher
ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a poor session after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 1.1% to US$2,185.1 an ounce. Rate cut optimism boosted the precious metal.
Virgin Money UK takeover deal
Virgin Money UK (ASX: VUK) shares will be on watch on Friday after the UK-based bank released an update on its takeover approach by Nationwide Building Society. According to the release, the two parties have agreed the terms of a recommended cash acquisition of Virgin Money by Nationwide. Under the terms of the acquisition, each Virgin Money shareholder will be entitled to receive 220 pence (~A$4.29) in cash per share.
