On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a day to forget and sank deep into the red. The benchmark index fell 2% to 8,614.4 points.
Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:
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ASX 200 expected to rebound
The Australian share market looks set for a better session on Friday following a positive night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 48 points or 0.55% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.05%, the S&P 500 rose 0.2%, and the Nasdaq edged 0.05% higher.
Oil prices charge higher
ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)could have a strong finish to the week after oil prices charged higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 3% to US$93.13 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 4.6% to US$102.57 a barrel. This follows reports that the US has sent a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East.
Megaport shares given buy rating
The Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price could be heading even higher according to Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has initiated coverage on the cloud infrastructure provider's shares with a buy rating and $27.00 price target. It commented: "We initiate coverage of Megaport with a BUY recommendation and $27.00 target price. […] In our view Megaport looks value trading on an FY28 EV/EBITDA multiple of c.7x when the median multiple of the domestic comps is c.15x (based on FY28 forecasts) and international comps is c.11x (based on 2027 forecasts)."
Gold price rises
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a good finish to the week after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.5% to US$4,207.6 an ounce. Easing US Treasury yields gave the precious metal a boost.
Buy Netwealth shares
It could be a good time to buy Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) shares according to Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the investment platform provider's shares with a trimmed price target of $25.00 (from $30.00). It said: "Given interest rates,we have moved our valuation multiple to 2022-23 levels with a class action provision. Our flow expectations are below FY27 guidance. NWL has operated in similar environments, with large withdrawals and clients moving off platform.FY23 flows landed -10% below the guidance and growth was restored in 12mths. Our $17.9bn matches this experience. So far, we are 6mths into the cycle."
