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

Man with a hand on his head looks at a red stock market chart showing a falling share price.
52-Week Lows

Down 43% this year, this ASX tech stock is now back at January 2025 levels

Megaport shares are down 43% this year as weak momentum continues.

Read more »

A couple sitting in their living room and checking their finances.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Magellan, and Woodside shares

Do analysts think these blue-chips are in the buy zone? Let's find out.

Read more »

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
Share Gainers

Why Bendigo Bank, EBR Systems, Strickland, and Woodside shares are rising today

These shares are rising on Thursday. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why Orora, Select Harvests, Tamboran, and WiseTech shares are sinking today

These shares are under pressure on Thursday. What's going on?

Read more »

I young woman takes a bite out of a burrito n the street outside a Mexican fast-food establishment.
Broker Notes

Up 32% this week, are Guzman Y Gomez shares a good buy today?

A leading analyst delivers his outlook for Guzman Y Gomez shares.

Read more »

A boy with sad eyes pulls the zip over his mouth and nose while doing up a large jacket where the collar stands up at head height.
BNPL shares

Zip shares plunge again after yesterday's 19% surge. Here's what changed

Zip shares tumble as ceasefire hopes fade and volatility returns.

Read more »

Close-up photo of a human hand with $100 bills offering the money to another human hand.
Capital Raising

Why this ASX energy stock just crashed 17% after a blockbuster year

A major capital raise sends Tamboran shares down 17%.

Read more »

A young woman sits at her desk in deep contemplation with her hand to her chin while seriously considering information she is reading on her laptop.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, or sell? Bubs, Soul Patts, and Endeavour shares

Experts have reviewed their ratings on these ASX shares.

Read more »