On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) continued to push higher and recorded a small gain. The benchmark index rose 0.2% to 8,980 points.
Will the market 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 fall
The Australian share market looks set to fall on Friday despite a good showing in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 32 points or 0.35% lower this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.15%, the S&P 500 rose 0.3%, and the Nasdaq charged 0.5% higher.
Oil prices rise
It could be a decent finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.3% to US$64.33 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.4% to US$68.33 a barrel. Oil prices pushed higher ahead of a statement from Donald Trump relating to Russia and Ukraine.
NextDC results
Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT) shares will be on watch on Friday after the data centre operator released its FY 2025 results. The ASX 200 stock reported a 14% lift in net revenue to $350.2 million, which was a touch ahead of its guidance range of $340 million to $350 million. Underlying EBITDA was up 6% to $216.7 million, which was at the upper end of its guidance range of $210 million to $220 million. Looking ahead, management is guiding to underlying EBITDA growth of approximately 6% to 11% in FY 2026.
Gold price rises
ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good finish to the week after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.8% to US$3,477.2 an ounce. The gold price hit a five-week high after the US dollar weakened and amid concerns over the US Federal Reserve's independence.
Buy Telix shares
Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares are a buy following yesterday's selloff according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $23.00 (from $30.00). In response to news that the US FDA has not approved its Zircaix product, it said: "This is the second CRL for TLX this calendar year. The delay to revenues and knock on effect to the cost of capital (risk) and valuation are material, accordingly our TP is reduced from to $23.00."
