On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with a very small gain. The benchmark index rose a fraction to 8,731.9 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:
Image source: Getty Images
ASX 200 to rise
The Australian share market looks set for a good session on Tuesday following a strong night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 28 points or 0.3% higher. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones rose 0.7%, the S&P 500 jumped 1.5%, and the Nasdaq stormed 2.25% higher.
Dividend payday
A group of ASX 200 shares will be rewarding their shareholders with their latest dividend payments on Tuesday. This includes Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG), Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN), and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL). The latter is paying shareholders a fully franked 37 cents per share dividend later today.
Oil prices tumble
ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a tough session on Tuesday after oil prices tumbled overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 4.9% to US$95.37 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 3.6% to US$100.10 a barrel. This was driven by optimism that the US and Iran could start peace talks.
Gold price falls
ASX 200 gold shares Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) and Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) could have a soft session after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1% to US$4,381.3 an ounce. The precious metal has come under pressure due to increasing US rate hike bets.
Buy Telix shares
Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares could be in the buy zone according to Bell Potter. In response to its merger news, the broker has retained its buy rating and $19.00 price target on Telix's shares. It said: "We are yet to include the earnings impact from the transaction in our forecast, nevertheless, it represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a dominant share in the supply of Lu-177 that is very difficult to replicate. While earnings may take a year or two to realise, the underlying value is obvious. Maintain Buy rating."
