On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a very disappointing session and dropped deep into the red. The benchmark index fell 1.3% to 7,755.4 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
It looks set to be another red day for the Australian share market on Wednesday despite a reasonably positive session in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 43 points or 0.55% lower. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones fell 0.3%, but the S&P 500 rose 0.3% and the Nasdaq stormed 0.9% higher. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed at record highs. This was thanks largely to Apple shares, which rose 7% due to its AI news.
Oil prices rise
ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) will be on watch after oil prices edged higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.2% to US$77.87 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.3% to US$81.85 a barrel. Optimism over summer fuel demand has boosted oil prices this week.
Collins Foods CEO resigns
The Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF) share price will be on watch today after the KFC restaurant operator announced the exit of its CEO. According to the release, the Drew O'Malley has informed the board of his intention to step down effective 1 July. Kevin Perkins will remain in the role of interim managing director and CEO as the board undertakes a local and international CEO search. Perkins has been in charge on an interim basis while Mr O'Malley was on an extended leave of absence.
Gold price rises
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a better day after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.2% to US$2,331.3 an ounce. Traders were bidding the precious metal higher ahead of the release of US inflation data and the US Federal Reserve meeting.
Judo Capital joins the ASX 200
The ASX 200 index has a new member. After the market close on Tuesday, S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that building materials company CSR Ltd (ASX: CSR) will be removed from the ASX 200 index next week. This is subject to shareholder and final court approval of the scheme of arrangement which will see the company acquired by Compagnie de Saint-Gobain. Replacing CSR in the illustrious index will be business lender Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO).
