On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fought hard but slipped into the red. The benchmark index fell slightly to 8,595.8 points.
Will the market bounce back from 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 rise on Friday following a strong night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 26 points or 0.3% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.8%, the S&P 500 rose 0.8%, and the Nasdaq stormed 1% higher.
Oil prices fall
It could be a subdued finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) after oil prices dropped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.45% to US$67.15 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.35% to US$68.88 a barrel. Oil prices fell on US tariff and OPEC uncertainty.
Sell Lynas shares
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares are expensive according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its sell rating with a reduced price target of $6.05. It said: "We maintain our sell recommendation and reduce our target price to $6.05/sh (previously $6.25/sh). Whilst we like the business, asset, and team, we believe there is significant optimism priced into the stock, with investors using it as a hedge on USChina relations. LYC is well poised, if or when, the tides shift for NdPr, with sufficient installed capacity and leverage."
Gold price falls
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a poor finish to the week after the gold price fell overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.7% to US$3,336.4 an ounce. This was driven by the release of strong US economic data which has reduced rate cut hopes.
Pro Medicus shares downgraded
Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) will be on watch today after analysts at Bell Potter downgraded the high-flying health imaging technology company's shares. The broker has downgraded its shares to a hold rating (from buy) with an improved price target of $320.00 (from $280.00). In response to a new contract win, the broker said: "Revenues are increased by ~3% in FY26. Earnings increases are negligible. PT is increased to $320, recommendation is downgraded to Hold from Buy based on movement in valuation."
