On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and stormed higher. The benchmark index rose 1.15% to 9,128.3 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:
Image source: Getty Images
ASX 200 set to rise again
The Australian share market looks set for a good session on Thursday following a strong night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 60 points or 0.65% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.65%, the S&P 500 is up 0.85% and the Nasdaq is up 1.3%.
NextDC results
Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT) shares will be on watch today after the data centre operator released its half-year results. The company reported a 13% increase in net revenue to $189.2 million and a 9% rise in underlying EBITDA to $115.3 million. Looking ahead, management has reaffirmed its FY 2026 guidance for revenue of $390 million to $400 million and underlying EBITDA of $230 million to $240 million. NextDC's CEO, Craig Scroggie, said: "NEXTDC remains on track to deliver another record financial performance in FY26 on the back of exceptional sales and strong financial performance in 1H26. With total liquidity of A$4.2 billion, record forward order book and record sales pipeline, the Company remains in an outstanding position to take advantage of further customer growth opportunities."
Oil prices mixed
ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) will be on watch on Thursday after oil prices traded mixed overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.2% to US$65.52 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.25% to US$70.94 a barrel. This mixed performance was driven by news of a large US inventory build, which was offset by concerns over supply.
Buy WiseTech shares
WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are good value according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the logistics software company's shares with a trimmed price target of $83.75 (from $87.50). It said: "The key potential catalyst is the release of the FY26 result in August where, firstly, we expect the guidance to be met and, secondly, expect FY27 guidance to be provided. The latter has the potential to positively surprise given it will provide some visibility around the expected cost savings from the headcount reduction and likely show the company is well on track to return to an EBITDA margin of 50% or more in the next two to three years."
Gold price rises again
ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Thursday after the gold price stormed higher again overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1% to US$5,226.4 an ounce. This was driven by increased safe haven demand due to tariff and geopolitical risks.
