5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Another busy day is expected for Aussie investors today. Here's what you need to know.

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On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a subdued session and slipped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.15% to 8,071.2 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

The Australian share market looks set to have another poor session on Wednesday despite a reasonably positive night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 40 points or 0.5% lower. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up a fraction, the S&P 500 rose 0.15% and the Nasdaq edged 0.15% higher.

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a poor session on Wednesday after oil prices dropped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 2.3% to US$75.66 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2.2% to US$79.63 a barrel. This was driven by optimism that Libyan production will resume soon.

Telstra shares go ex-dividend

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares are likely to trade lower on Wednesday. That's because the telco giant's shares are scheduled to go ex-dividend this morning for its fully franked final dividend. Eligible shareholders can look forward to receiving the company's 9 cents per share dividend in just under a month on 26 September. Also going ex-dividend are Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC) and Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) shares.

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a decent session after the gold price rose again overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.25% to US$2,561 an ounce. Traders have been bidding the precious metal higher ahead of rate cuts in the United States next month.

Woolworths FY 2024 results

The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price will be one to watch this morning when the supermarket giant releases its full year results. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts are forecasting total sales of $67,261 million for the 12 months ended 30 June. This will be a 4.6% increase year on year. It is also forecasting a 2.85% increase in earnings before interest and tax to $3,205 million and largely flat net profit after tax of $1,725 million.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Treasury Wine Estates and Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group and Lottery. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. 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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