On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form and dropped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.3% to 8,565.1 points.
Will the market bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:
The Australian share market looks set to rebound on Friday following a decent night 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 0.25%, the S&P 500 rose 0.4%, and the Nasdaq pushed 0.25% higher.
ASX 200 energy shares including Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) could have a decent finish to the week after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.45% to US$68.46 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.2% to US$69.91 a barrel. This was driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) shares are a hold according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has initiated coverage on the drinks retailer with a hold rating and $4.50 price target. It said: "We initiate coverage on EDV with a Hold rating. We see upside to VA consensus Retail revenue estimates if liquor spending growth picks up due to falling interest rates. However, the competitive threat presented by lower prices at Liquorland suggests margins are likely to be pressured in FY26e."
ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a great finish to the week after the gold price jumped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.9% to US$3,407.3 an ounce. Geopolitical concerns and rate cut bets boosted the precious metal.
Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) shares could be cheap according to the team at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating and $20.00 price target on the pharmaceutical company's shares. It said: "Neuren is in an envious financial position having A$341m in cash and no debt as of 31-March-2025. This will continue to be supplemented by ongoing royalty income over the coming years derived from Daybue sales, allowing NEU to fund multiple Phase 3 trials with NNZ-2591 and advance the asset through the all-important and final clinical step before potential approval."
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