On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fought back from a poor start to end the day only a fraction lower. The benchmark index dropped slightly to 8,724.4 points.
Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:
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ASX 200 to rise
The Australian share market looks set for a better day on Wednesday following a positive night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 37 points or 0.4% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.45%, but the S&P 500 rose 0.15% and the Nasdaq edged slightly higher.
Oil prices rise
ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good session after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.5% to US$93.54 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$95.87 a barrel. This has been driven by concerns over rising tensions between the US and Iran.
Buy 4D Medical shares
Bell Potter remains bullish on 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) shares. This morning, the broker has retained its speculative buy rating on the medical technology company's shares with an improved price target of $6.00 (from $4.85). It said: "The clinical data from the CLEAR study will provide the necessary evidence to further support broad adoption for diagnosis of PE [Pulmonary Embolism]. Outpatient reimbursement will continue under the existing category III CPTA codes paid at US$650/scan. TAM for this market is estimated at $2.5bn annually."
Gold price rises
ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a decent session on Wednesday after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.3% to US$4,519.2 an ounce. Traders appear to believe the precious metal has been oversold.
Hold Graincorp shares
Bell Potter thinks Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares are fully valued. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating on the grain exporter's shares with a reduced price target of $5.20 (from $5.90). It said: "In the June report we noted a seven year low in east coast winter crop acreage sown and a seven year low in southeastern (VIC/NSW/SA) canola production. Key months are now the August-September window, which are crucial for yield development in a potentially dryer backdrop."
