5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

Will the market start the week strongly? Let's find out.

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On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week with a small decline. The benchmark index fell slightly to 8,881.9 points.

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

A male ASX 200 broker wearing a blue shirt and black tie holds one hand to his chin with the other arm crossed across his body as he watches stock prices on a digital screen while deep in thought

Image Source: Getty Images

ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set for a poor start to the week despite a decent finish to the last one on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 13 points or 0.15% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.1%, the S&P 500 rose 0.25% and the Nasdaq pushed 0.6% higher.

Oil prices rise

It could be a decent start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices rose on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.7% to US$60.98 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 0.6% to US$64.77 a barrel. This was driven by news that OPEC is pausing its output hike in response to supply glut fears.

Westpac results

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares will be on watch on Monday when the banking giant releases its eagerly anticipated full year results. According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts believe that Australia's oldest bank will deliver a pre-provision result ahead of consensus estimates at $10,874 million. It also expects cash earnings of $7,134 million from a net interest margin of 1.94%. However, it "see risks to FY26-27E pre-provision profits as lower rates impact margins and WBC's replicating portfolio tailwind becomes a headwind."

Gold price slips

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could start the week poorly after the gold price dropped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was down 0.5% to US$3,996.5 an ounce. Reduced rate cut bets weighed on the precious metal.

Buy Endeavour shares

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) shares have been upgraded by analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has lifted its recommendation on the drinks giant's shares to a buy rating with a $4.30 price target. It said: "We upgrade to Buy. We expect strong 2Q26e Retail sales growth to be underpinned by recent rate cuts, a softer comp following 2Q25 supply chain disruptions, and the growth observed in October. We believe growth in Retail will build positive momentum heading into the April/May strategy refresh, where muted expectations suggest a higher likelihood of an upside surprise."

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Endeavour Group and Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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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