5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

It looks likely to be a poor session for Aussie investors today.

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On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a volatile session and ended the day in the red. The benchmark index fell 0.1% to 8,531.2 points.

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

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ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set to fall on Thursday following a relatively poor night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 31 points or 0.35% lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 0.1%, the S&P 500 was a fraction lower, and the Nasdaq rose 0.1%.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a decent session after oil prices rose overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.35% to US$75.11 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up slightly to US$76.546 a barrel. Oil prices have been rising this week amid concerns over supply from the Middle East.

Buy Sonic Healthcare shares

The Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) share price could be dirt cheap according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has initiated coverage on the pathology company's shares with a buy rating and $33.70 price target. It said: "The TP represents a c.28% premium to the current price, in addition to an expected dividend yield of c.4%. SHL typically trades at a c.27% premium to the XJO, but this has narrowed to c.13%. Short-term catalysts include completing the LADR acquisition and the forthcoming FY25 results to at least meet consensus expectations."

Gold price falls

It could be a poor session for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) on Thursday after the gold price pulled back overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.7% to US$3,382.8 an ounce. This follows news that the US Federal Reserve elected to keep interest rates on hold.

National Storage dividend announced

National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR) shares will be on watch today after the self-storage giant declared its latest dividend. According to the release, the company plans to reward shareholders with a 5.6 cents per share final dividend. Its shares will go ex-dividend for this on 27 June. After which, it will be paid to eligible shareholders on 2 September.

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sonic Healthcare. 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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