5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Here's what to expect on the local market today.

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On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form and dropped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.5% to 9,012.5 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to rebound

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Wednesday following another decent night of trade on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 7 points or 0.1% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.4%, the S&P 500 is up 0.35%, and the Nasdaq is 0.85% higher.

Oil prices tumble

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a poor session after oil prices tumbled overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 2.25% to US$59.93 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2.15% to US$64.20 a barrel. This was driven by concerns over OPEC's output plans.

Australian inflation

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will be releasing key inflation data later today, which could have a big impact on the Reserve Bank of Australia's next move with interest rates. At present, the market is pricing in only a 39% probability of a cut to 3.35% at the RBA's next meeting on Melbourne Cup day. This could all change if quarterly Australian inflation comes in softer than expected. A reading of 2.7% is expected today.

Gold price falls again

It looks set to be a poor session for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) on Wednesday after the gold price fell overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1.2% to US$3,971.6 an ounce. Trade progress between the US and China weighed on the safe have asset.

Hold CSL shares

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are only a hold according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, in response to the biotechnology giant's guidance downgrade, the broker has retained its hold rating with a reduced price target of $195.00 (from $230.00). It said: "We had previously been cautious on CSL's near-term outlook, largely driven by what we think will be a tough 1H26 result for Ig, and today's update only adds further uncertainty to other franchises (Seqirus, albumin). The capital markets day is next week, with the agenda less clear after the Seqirus de-merger has been put on hold."

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. 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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