5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

A better day is expected for Aussie investors after a solid night on Wall Street.

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 Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had another poor session and dropped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.4% to 7,718.2 points.

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

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

Image Source: Getty Images

ASX 200 expected to rebound

It looks set to be a good day for the Australian share market on Wednesday after a positive session in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 20 points or 0.25% higher. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.4%, the S&P 500 pushed 0.6% higher, and the Nasdaq climbed 0.85%.

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a poor session after oil prices dropped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.4% to US$83.04 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.15% to US$86.47 a barrel. This may have been driven by profit taking after oil hit a two-month high.

Buy Liontown shares

The Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price is undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to its funding news, the broker has retained its speculative buy rating and $1.85 price target on the lithium developer's shares. It said: "The LG CN funding is a pragmatic solution to remove the onerous terms associated with traditional bank debt and increase the company's cash liquidity headroom. […] Under our modelled assumptions, we expect that LTR is fully funded to free cash flow."

Gold price relatively flat

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) will be on watch following a flat night for the gold price. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up a fraction to US$2,339.5 an ounce. This follows an update from the US Federal Reserve which revealed that it isn't ready to cut rates yet.

BHP rated as a buy

Analysts at Goldman Sachs think BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares would be a good option for investors. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating and $48.40 price target on the mining giant's shares. Goldman notes that BHP's shares have an "attractive valuation, but at a premium to RIO. Although we believe this premium can be partly maintained due to ongoing superior margins and operating performance."

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

Comical investor reading documents and surrounded by calculators.
Broker Notes

4 ASX 200 shares newly upgraded this week

As the Iran war and fuel crisis continues, some ASX 200 shares have attracted upgrades from the experts.

Read more »

A smiling woman puts fuel into her car at a petrol pump.
Broker Notes

Up 60% in a year, 3 reasons to buy Ampol shares today

A leading analyst forecasts more outperformance from Ampol’s surging shares. But why?

Read more »

A man sits on a bench atop a mountain with a laptop, making investments with a green ESG mind.
52-Week Highs

Are these ASX stocks hitting 52-week highs a buy, hold, or sell?

Can these market winners keep rallying?

Read more »

A female superhero dressed in shiny green with a mask leaps in the sky with leg and arm outstretched in a leaping action.
Share Gainers

WiseTech shares rocket 11% higher today: Buy, sell or hold?

It looks like we could see a lot more out of WiseTech shares over the next few months!

Read more »

A beautiful ocean vista is shown with a woman whose back is to the camera holding her arms up in triumph as she stands at the top of a rock feeling thrilled that ASX 200 shares are reaching multi-year high prices today
52-Week Highs

3 ASX 200 titans charging to new one-year-plus highs today

Investors just sent these three ASX 200 titans surging to new 52-week-plus highs. But why?

Read more »

Smiling worker in metal landfill.
Broker Notes

Up 45% in a year, 3 reasons to buy Sims shares today

A leading analyst forecasts more outperformance from Sims' soaring share price. But why?

Read more »

A young African mine worker is standing with a smile in front of a large haul dump truck wearing his personal protective wear.
Record Highs

Why the PLS share price just hit an all-time high

PLS shares hit a record high after upsizing US debt notes.

Read more »

A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter names more of the best ASX shares to buy in April

The broker has good things to say about the shares this month.

Read more »