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5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

The Motley Fool·12/18/2025 19:56:24
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On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fought hard and managed to record a very small gain. The benchmark index rose slightly to 8,588.2 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise again

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Friday following a strong 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. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.15%, the S&P 500 is 0.75% higher, and the Nasdaq is storming 1.3% higher.

Oil prices rise

It could be a decent finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices rose overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.3% to US$56.12 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.2% to US$59.81 a barrel. Traders were buying oil in response to mounting supply risks.

Dividend pay day

Today is a good day to own ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares. That's because both big four banks are scheduled to pay their latest dividends. ANZ is paying a partially franked 83 cents per share dividend, whereas Westpac is paying a fully franked 77 cents per share dividend to shareholders.

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares such as Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a subdued finish to the week after the gold price edged lower overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.15% to US$4,366.7 an ounce. The precious metal eased after nearing a record high on rate cut optimism.

Jumbo update

Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN) shares will be on watch today after the online lottery ticket sellers made an announcement after the market close yesterday. It advised that Lotterywest has awarded a contract for the development, implementation, and support of a gaming solution and digital solution to replace its existing gaming and digital solutions platform to Brightstar Lottery (NYSE: BRSL) (Brightstar). However, Jumbo revealed that it will work with Brightstar on a subcontractor arrangement to provide components of the solution.

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Jumbo Interactive. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Jumbo Interactive. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2025