On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a tough finish to the week and tumbled into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.75% to 8,772.3 points.
Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:
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ASX 200 expected to rebound
The Australian share market looks set for a good start to the week despite a mixed session on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 48 points or 0.55% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.45%, the S&P 500 edged 0.05% higher, and the Nasdaq fell 0.65%.
Oil prices fall
ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a poor start to the week after oil prices pulled back on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 3.1% to US$89.31 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 3.9% to US$96.78 a barrel. This was driven by US-Iran peace talk optimism.
AFIC results
Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI) shares will be on watch on Monday. That's because the investment company is scheduled to release its full-year results before the market open. During the first half, AFIC reported a 4.6% decline in net profit to $147 million. As well as its results, the company is also expected to announce a fully franked 14.5 cents per share final dividend and a 2.5 cents per share special dividend, together with the continuation of its on-market share buyback.
Gold price rises
It could be a positive start to the week for ASX 200 gold shares Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) after the gold price rose on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 0.5% to US$4,070.8 an ounce. A pullback in oil prices reduced rate hike bets and boosted the precious metal.
Buy Integrated Research shares
Bell Potter has named Integrated Research Ltd (ASX: IRI) shares as a buy with an improved price target of 38 cents this morning. This follows the release of a mixed trading update from the global provider of experience management solutions for business-critical technology environments. It said: "We maintain our BUY recommendation and note that the shares are currently trading at close to cash backing. Given the low EV, we expect some update on capital management and/or other initiatives at the release of the FY26 result next month. We currently assume the resumption of modest dividends from FY27 onwards but the current share price and significant cash position suggest something more material could be done."
