5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Here's what to expect on the local market on hump day.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a subdued session and dropped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.3% to 8,787 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

A young man sits at his desk working on his laptop with a big smile on his face.

Image source: Getty Images

ASX 200 to rebound

The Australian share market looks set for a better day on Wednesday despite a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 54 points or 0.6% higher. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.1%, but the S&P 500 is down 1.15% and the Nasdaq is 1.8% lower.

Oil prices fall again

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a poor session after oil prices fell again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1% to US$73.15 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.1% to US$77.06 a barrel. Traders have been selling oil after monitoring tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Buy IVE shares

Bell Potter thinks investors should be buying IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL) shares. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating and $3.25 price target on the marketing communications company's shares. It believes IVE Group's shares are undervalued at current levels, saying: "We see the stock as value trading on underlying PE ratios of 8x and 7x in FY26 and FY27 with growth expected to pick up again in FY27 and continue into FY28. We also note this is the final year the dividend has been capped or set at 18c – which still generates a yield of c.7% – and see potential or likely upside to the dividend in FY27 and beyond."

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a soft session on Wednesday after the gold price fell overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1.3% to US$4,148.4 an ounce. Rate hike fears continue to weigh on precious metals.

BHP and Rio Tinto on watch

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares will be on watch on Wednesday after a poor night of trade for their NYSE-listed shares. In late trade on Wall Street, BHP shares are down 4% and Rio Tinto shares are down 3.5%. This is broadly in line with the performance of the copper price, which has pulled back by 3.5%.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ASX Share Market News

Man and woman sitting at table with the man looking a bit puzzled at his laptop.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a tough end to a rough week for investors.

Read more »

Group of people toasting with wine
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Transurban, Orora, Treasury Wine Estates shares

Here's what top broker Morgans thinks of these 3 ASX 200 shares following their FY26 reports.

Read more »

Businessman studying a high technology holographic stock market chart.
Broker Notes

8 ASX 200 shares with fresh buy ratings this week

Brokers retained a positive view on Westpac, Sonic Healthcare, Minerals 260, and other shares.

Read more »

a group of rockclimbers attached to each other with a rope hang precariously from a steep cliff face with the bottom two climbers not touch the rockface but dangling in midair held only by the rope.
ASX Share Market News

Why DroneShield, Life360 and SGH shares are crashing lower this week

Investors sent Life360, SGH, and DroneShield shares tumbling this week. But why?

Read more »

Woman working on her laptop at a café.
Broker Notes

7 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week

Brokers reduced their ratings on IAG, Seek, Woolworths, and other ASX 200 stocks.

Read more »

Three trophies in declining sizes with a red curtain backdrop.
ASX Share Market News

3 ASX 200 stocks leaping higher in this week's slumping market on big news

Investors sent these three ASX 200 stocks flying higher in this week’s falling market. But why?

Read more »

A person bounces another up high from a seesaw as the one in the air looks through a telescope into the future.
ASX Share Market News

Why Baby Bunting is leaping 25% on Friday while QBE shares are sinking like a stone

Investors are piling into Baby Bunting shares on Friday and abandoning ASX 200 insurance giant QBE. But why?

Read more »

2 kids riding a mini toy vehicle
Opinions

3 ASX 200 shares I'd want my kids to own for the next 20 years

These are my top picks right now.

Read more »