On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a positive session and edged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.15% to 8,474.9 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to fall
The Australian share market looks set for a subdued session on Friday after a poor night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 7 points or 0.1% lower this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is down 0.35%, the S&P 500 is down slightly, and the Nasdaq is flat.
Oil prices edge higher
ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) could have a relatively positive finish to the week after oil prices edged higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.1% to US$68.58 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.1% to US$72.37 a barrel. This follows news that OPEC+ plans to delay its production increases.
Collins Foods goes ex-dividend
Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF) shares are scheduled to go ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. Earlier this week, the KFC restaurant operator released its half year results and reported a 1.2% increase in revenue to $703.5 million and a 23.8% decline in underlying net profit after tax to $23.7 million. This led to the company's board cutting its fully franked interim by 12% to 11 cents per share. This dividend will be paid to eligible shareholders in one month on 6 January.
Gold price tumbles
ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a poor session after the gold price dropped into the red overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.85% to US$2,653.8 an ounce. Higher bond yields put pressure on the precious metal overnight.
Buy Perpetual shares
Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT) shares are a buy according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating and $24.76 price target on the fund manager's shares. It said: " We reiterate our BUY on PPT for three reasons. Firstly, an imminent tax ruling [on the demerger] is likely to be positive, but no tax ruling might not be bad news. Secondly, reducing the cost base and clarity about costs should start to see forecasts rising. Thirdly, the recent share price movements (following the Chris Kourtis presentation) highlight the upside from a small positive change in sentiment."
