On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was back on form and pushing higher. The benchmark index rose 0.3% to 8,828.3 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:
Image source: Getty Images
ASX 200 expected to edge higher
The Australian share market looks set for a relatively flat session on Friday following a poor night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 1 point higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones is currently down 0.6%, the S&P 500 is 0.75% lower, and the Nasdaq is tumbling 1.3%.
Oil prices ease
It looks likely to be a subdued finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) after oil prices eased overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.45% to US$59.33 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.35% to US$63.32 a barrel. Weak demand forecasts appear to be behind this decline.
Macquarie half year results
Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) shares will be on watch this morning when the investment bank releases its half year results for FY 2026. According to a note out of Citi, its analysts are expecting Macquarie to post a first half cash net profit after tax of $1.877 billion and declare an interim dividend of 280 cents per share.
Gold price rises
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a positive finish to the week after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.2% to US$4,001.9 an ounce. The precious metal pushed higher amid tariff uncertainty and the US government shutdown.
Buy Light & Wonder shares
Bell Potter is urging investors to buy Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) shares following its strong quarterly update. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the gaming technology company's shares with an improved price target of $176.00. It said: "We rate LNW a Buy over the medium to long term due to a compelling GARP profile relative to the ASX 100 and ALL (38% discount to EV / EBITA, pre 3Q25 upgrades). In our view, the key catalyst in closing this discount is the ASX sole listing, which we believe will weigh positively on the stock after November 2025. In the short term we acknowledge risks to LNW including: a worsening in the ALL litigation matter (less likely, in our view); and market disruption due to the Nasdaq delisting."
