On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had another strong session and charged higher. The benchmark index rose 1% to 9,038.6 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:
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ASX 200 expected to rise
It looks set to be another positive session for Australian investors on Thursday despite a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 34 points or 0.4% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 1.3%, the S&P 500 is 0.1% lower, and the Nasdaq is up 0.3%.
Domino's FY 2026 update
Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) shares will be on watch today after the pizza chain operator released an update on its expectations for FY 2026. The company expects to report underlying NPAT in the range of $118 million to $122 million. This is consistent with its previously communicated guidance. Domino's also advised that it expects to recognise total balance sheet write-downs of approximately $259 million for the financial year.
Oil prices jump
ASX 200 energy shares including Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good session after oil prices jumped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 6.8% to US$84.65 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 7.75% to US$90.61 a barrel. Oil prices jumped in response to reports that US President Donald Trump has threatened to hit Iran hard.
Buy Liontown shares
Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares could be undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to the lithium miner's quarterly update, this morning, the broker has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $1.90 (from $2.90). It said: "With recent trading weakness, LTR's EV is around $3.3b with spot SC6 prices at US$2,070/t and net cash of $246m. The last time LTR was trading at this EV (early November 2025), SC6 prices were US$1,000/t (admittedly trending higher) and net debt was $274m. Since this date, the underground ramp-up has been further derisked."
Gold price climbs
It looks set to be a good session for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) on Thursday after the gold price jumped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.5% to US$4,100 an ounce. Traders were bidding gold higher after the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates on hold.
