On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was back on form and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.3% to 9,083.8 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:
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ASX 200 expected to fall
The Australian share market looks set for a subdued session on Friday following a poor night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 25 points or 0.3% lower this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was down 1.3%, the S&P 500 fell 0.9%, and the Nasdaq dropped 1%.
Oil prices jump
ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a good finish to the week after oil prices jumped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.7% to US$88.15 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 2% to US$93.45 a barrel. This was driven by renewed concerns around Middle East tensions.
Telix shares downgraded
Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares will be on watch on Friday after being downgraded by analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has cut its rating on the radiopharmaceutical company's shares to hold (from buy) with a $19.00 price target. It said: "The pivotal moment is in a few days time for Pixclara with this event alone to dominate short term share price performance. We expect approval but without great conviction. FY26 earnings adjustments are modest. We retain our PT $19.00 and downgrade to Hold following the recent share price increase."
Gold price rises
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a decent finish to the week after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.65% to US$4,574.8 an ounce. This appears to have been driven by easing interest rate hike expectations.
Temple & Webster downgraded
Bell Potter has downgraded Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) shares despite their heavy decline over the past 12 months. This morning, the broker has cut its rating on the online retailer's shares to hold with a reduced price target of $4.50. It said: "While the share trades towards 3-year lows, we see multiple risks related to the revenue recovery from current levels over the next few months in this current macroeconomic context, competitive landscape and following TPW's 4Q26 profit optimisation initiatives."
