On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a disappointing session and sank deep into the red. The benchmark index fell 1.45% to 8,592.9 points.
Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:
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ASX 200 expected to rebound
The Australian share market looks set to rise on Friday following a positive night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 55 points or 0.65% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.05%, the S&P 500 rose 0.6%, and the Nasdaq stormed 0.9% higher.
Oil prices rise
ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) will be on watch on Friday after a positive night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$89.46 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up slightly to US$94.31 a barrel. Traders are waiting for news on whether the US-Iran ceasefire will be extended.
Mineral Resources shares named as a buy
Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares could be good value according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the mining and mining services company's shares with an improved price target of $80.50. It said: "Completion of the US$765m MIN-POSCO lithium transaction will accelerate balance sheet deleveraging paired with cash flows from persistent iron ore and lithium market prices. MIN's mining services platform delivers a stable earnings stream that is expected to expand with internal and third-party volume growth. The company is well positioned to execute its next phase of growth with potential to reinstate fully franked dividends."
Gold price recovers
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a good finish to the week after the gold price rebounded overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1% to US$4,527.9 an ounce. Traders were buying the precious metal after the release of US inflation data which was in line with expectations.
Champion Iron given hold rating
Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) shares are fully valued now according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to the iron ore miner's FY 2026 results, the broker has retained its hold rating with a trimmed price target of $4.85 (from $5.00). It said: "CIA expect to ramp-up high-grade concentrate (DRPF grade) production from mid2026. While we expect iron content price premiums for this product, full value-in-use premiums are unlikely to be realised until longer-term offtake is secured. Free cash flow should improve from FY27 as capex rolls off, supporting debt servicing and ongoing dividends. On valuation, we retain our Hold recommendation."
