5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Here's what to expect on the local market today.

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 poor session and dropped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.3% to 7,987.9 points.

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

Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking

Image Source: Getty Images

ASX 200 expected to rise

It looks set to be a better session for Aussie investors on Thursday following a solid night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 32 points or 0.4% higher this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.3%, the S&P 500 rose 1.1%, and the Nasdaq jumped 2.2%.

Oil prices rebound

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a better session after oil prices rebounded overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.2% to US$67.19 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.95% to US$70.54 a barrel. Traders appear to believe that oil prices were oversold this week.

BHP goes ex-dividend

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are going ex-dividend on Thursday and could trade lower. Last month, the Big Australian released its full year results and declared a final dividend of 74 US cents per share. This is the equivalent of A$1.09 per share in local currency, which represents a 2.8% dividend yield based on its last close price. This will be paid to eligible shareholders at the start of next month on 3 October.

Gold price edges lower

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a subdued session after the gold price edged lower overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.1% to US$2,541.4 an ounce. This follows the release of inflation data in the United States that wasn't overly supportive of a supersized interest rate cut.

REA shares rated as a buy

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) shares are good value according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. In response to news that the property listings company has had an $11 billion takeover offer for Rightmove (LSE: RMV) rejected, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating and $221.00 price target on the realestate.com.au operator's shares. Goldman advised that it continues to believe that REA Group "has one of the best risk/reward profiles in our domestic media coverage."

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group and REA Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Rightmove Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended REA Group. 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

Woman in business suit holds both hands out with a question mark above each hand.
Opinions

2 ASX 300 shares I'm close to buying next!

These ASX 300 shares look like a great buy to me today!

Read more »

A wide-smiling businessman in suit and tie rips open his shirt to reveal a green t-shirt underneath.
Record Highs

This ASX lithium giant just hit a record high again. Here's why investors keep chasing it

PLS shares hit another record high as lithium prices keep climbing.

Read more »

A miner in a hardhat and high visibility clothing makes a thumbs up symbol.
Record Highs

Why Rio Tinto shares just hit a new record high on Tuesday

Rio Tinto shares hit a record high as copper and iron ore shine.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 shares tipped to climb another 35%

These shares have helped push the ASX 200 Index higher.

Read more »

A person working on a computer holds a lightbulb that is connected to the network and shining brightly.
Broker Notes

Origin Energy shares: Experts argue the case to buy, hold, and sell

Three experts present three different ratings.

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Share Gainers

Why Boss Energy, Macquarie, Nova Minerals, and WiseTech shares are storming higher today

These shares are climbing more than most on Tuesday. What's going on?

Read more »

Lines of codes and graphs in the background with woman looking at laptop trying to understand the data.
52-Week Lows

These 3 ASX 200 stocks hit a 52-week low: Buy, sell or hold?

These shares have all tumbled in value this year.

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with a pained expression on his face and a laptop in front of him.
Share Fallers

Why Clarity, Qantas, Universal Store, and Westpac shares are falling today

Let's see why these shares are missing out on the market's move higher today.

Read more »