On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a mildly positive session and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.15% to 8,831.3 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:
Image source: Getty Images
ASX 200 expected to edge lower
It looks set to be a subdued session for Australian investors despite a good night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 1 point lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.7%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.6%, and the Nasdaq jumped 1.05%.
CSL appoints new CEO
CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares will be on watch on Thursday after the biotech giant announced the appointment of its new CEO. Deborah Waterhouse will commence in the role from 1 February 2027. The company notes that the appointment was made following an extensive global search process. It highlights that Ms Waterhouse is a proven commercial leader with more than 25 years' experience managing complex global specialty pharmaceutical companies across the U.S., the UK, Europe, and Australia.
Oil prices mixed
ASX 200 energy shares Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) will be on watch following a mixed night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is flat at US$97.82 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$109.74 a barrel. Traders appear undecided where next for oil prices following Middle East developments.
Accumulate BHP shares
BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares could be good value according to analysts at Ord Minnett. In response to the mining giant's quarterly update, the broker has upgraded BHP shares to an accumulate rating (from hold) with a $63.00 price target. Based on its current share price of $58.54, this implies potential upside of approximately 8% for investors. Ord Minnett also expects a dividend yield of around 4.75%.
Gold price rises
It could be a relatively positive session for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) on Thursday after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.25% to US$4,152 an ounce. This saw the gold price recover from a one-week low.
