On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) recorded a small gain. The benchmark index rose 0.15% to 8,579.7 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to rise
The Australian share market looks set to rise on Wednesday following a solid night of trade on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 8 points or 0.1% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.45%, the S&P 500 is up 0.25%, and the Nasdaq is 0.65% higher.
Oil prices fall
ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a subdued session after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.1% to US$58.67 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.15% to US$62.45 a barrel. This was driven by oversupply concerns.
Hold Graincorp shares
The team at Bell Potter thinks that Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares are fully valued at current levels. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its hold rating and $8.50 price target on the grain exporter's shares. It said: "Wheatcast yield indicators imply a crop broadly consistent with a year ago and GNC should benefit from the removal of CPC outflows and GrainsConnect losses (+$50m YOY). Against this global grain supply remains high (limiting marketing returns) and crush margins appear to be a modest YOY tailwind."
Gold price falls
It could 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 tumbled overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1.1% to US$4,229 an ounce. Traders were taking profit after a strong rebound in the precious metal.
Buy Beacon shares
Bell Potter thinks investors should be buying Beacon Lighting Group Ltd (ASX: BLX) shares. This morning, the broker has initiated coverage on the specialist retailer's shares with a buy rating and $3.35 price target. It said: "On an FY26e P/E basis (~20x), we view BLX's leading market position in a fragmented market (~12% market share) and vertically integrated business model (FY25 GM ~69%) as attractive and unique characteristics for a specialty goods retailer. We believe the business is well positioned to take advantage of a recovering retail environment, supported by a strong housing market and construction outlook."
