On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a disappointing session and dropped deep into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.95% to 8,978.4 points.
Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:
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ASX 200 expected to rise
It looks set to be a better session for Australian investors on Thursday following a positive night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 39 points or 0.45% higher this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.55%, the S&P 500 was up 0.45%, and the Nasdaq pushed 0.45% higher.
ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend
A number of ASX 200 shares are going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. This includes packaging leader Amcor PLC (ASX: AMC), mining behemoth BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), supermarket giant Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), private hospital operator Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC), and energy giant Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS). BHP is paying shareholders a 139.2 cents per share fully franked dividend on 23 September.
Oil prices rise again
ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a positive session after oil prices rose again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.45% to US$90.63 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.6% to US$95.22 a barrel. Traders were buying oil in response to an escalation in Middle East tensions.
Buy Nufarm shares
Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) shares are in the buy zone according to Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the agricultural chemicals company's shares with an improved price target of $3.75. It said: "Our Buy rating is unchanged. Trading trends continue to infer FY26e is a year where improved gross margin (on lower COGS) and cost out are the main driver of profit growth. The is the potential for surprise is omega-3, where Peruvian fishoil stock is in short supply and pricing indicators are reaching levels consistent with previous peaks."
Gold price charges higher
It could be a good day for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) on Thursday after the gold price charged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.9% to US$4,435.8 an ounce. Traders were buying the precious metal after the US dollar and treasury yields pulled back.
