On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a reasonably positive session and edged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.15% to 8,191.7 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:
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ASX 200 expected to rise
The Australian share market looks set to edge higher on Friday following a strong night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 2 points higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.6%, the S&P 500 rose 0.6%, and the Nasdaq charged 1.1% higher.
Oil prices storm higher
ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) could have a great session after oil prices charged higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 3.7% to US$60.22 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 3.3% to US$63.15 a barrel. This was driven by optimism that the US and China will settle their trade differences.
Buy Light & Wonder shares
The Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) share price could be undervalued after being sold off on Thursday. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts have retained their buy rating on the gaming technology company's shares with a trimmed price target of $165.00. It said: "We are Buy-rated. Our A$165.00 12-month target price is based on a SOTP analysis for LNW's Gaming, SciPlay and iGaming businesses. We derive our valuation on FY25E EV/EBIT, which we believe addresses the differences in capital intensity across the gaming sector versus LNW's closest peers, including integrated gaming operators, social gaming and iGaming players."
Gold price tumbles
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a tough finish to the week after the gold price tumbled overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 2.4% to US$3,311.6 an ounce. This was driven by news that the US and UK have signed a trade deal.
Macquarie full year results
Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) shares will be on watch today when the investment bank releases its full year results for FY 2025. Macquarie has been having a challenging year due to the underperformance of its Commodities and Global Markets (CGM) and Macquarie Capital businesses. They led to its "net profit after tax (NPAT) for the nine months to 31 December 2024 (FY25 year to date (YTD)) [being] broadly in line with the nine months to 31 December 2023 (FY24 YTD)." As a result, a flat result is expected from the bank this morning.
