5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

A better session is expected for Aussie investors today.

Smiling man with phone in wheelchair watching stocks and trends on computer

Image Source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a day to forget and tumbled deep into the red. The benchmark index sank a disappointing 1.3% to 7,782.5 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to rebound

The Australian share market looks set for a better session on Thursday following an improved night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 23 points or 0.3% higher this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is down 0.1%, but the S&P 500 has risen 0.15% and the Nasdaq is 0.2% higher.

Oil prices rise again

ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a decent session after oil prices rose again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.4% to US$85.47 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.5% to US$89.38 a barrel. Rising geopolitical tensions have given oil prices a lift.

Dividend payday

Today is another big day for dividends with a number of ASX 200 shares distributing their latest payouts to their lucky shareholders. Among the companies that are paying dividends today are financial services company AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP), diversified food company Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA), mining giant South32 Ltd (ASX: S32), and energy behemoth Woodside. The latter is paying out a fully franked final dividend of 91.7 cents per share this morning.

Gold price jumps

It looks set to be a very good session for ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) after the gold price jumped overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 1.5% to US$2,315.3 an ounce. The precious metal climbed to a new record high after demand for safe haven assets increased due to geopolitical risks.

Buy BHP shares

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is good value according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating and $49.20 price target on the mining giant's shares. Goldman named four reasons why it rates BHP as a buy. It said: "(1) Attractive valuation, but at a premium to RIO; (2) GS bullish copper and met coal; (3) Optionality with the +US$20bn copper pipeline and strong production growth over 24/25; (4) Robust FCF, but still below RIO."

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.

More on Share Market News

Teen standing in a city street smiling and throwing sparkling gold glitter into the air.
52-Week Highs

11 ASX 200 stocks streaking to multi-year highs today

The benchmark ASX 200 is in the green and these 11 stocks are setting new price records.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Why is the South32 share price taking such a shellacking today?

A whale move might be behind today's big slump.

Read more »

A woman with strawberry blonde hair has a huge smile on her face and fist pumps the air having seen good news on her phone.
Share Gainers

Why Evolution Mining, Macquarie, Ramsay, and SGH shares are pushing higher today

These shares are having a good session on Tuesday. Let's see what is getting investors excited.

Read more »

A young boy wearing a hat, sunnies and striped singlet looks fierce and flexes his arm in victory.
Broker Notes

Experts reveal 4 ASX small-cap shares to buy now

ASX small-cap shares are slightly outperforming the broader market in 2025.

Read more »

a man weraing a suit sits nervously at his laptop computer biting into his clenched hand with nerves, and perhaps fear.
Share Fallers

Why Breville, Domino's, Liontown, and WiseTech shares are falling today

These shares are out of form on Tuesday. What's going on?

Read more »

Person handing out $50 notes, symbolising ex-dividend date.
Share Market News

3 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy with $5,000 this week

These funds could be great options for investors with money to put into the market this week.

Read more »

Smiling man with phone in wheelchair watching stocks and trends on computer
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

A better day of trade is expected for Aussie investors today.

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop. A financial graph is superimposed across the image.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors had a rough start to the trading week this Monday.

Read more »