5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.3% to 8,757.8 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 to rise
The Australian share market looks set for a decent session on Wednesday despite a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 18 points or 0.2% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones fell 0.35%, the S&P 500 was flat, and the Nasdaq was 0.45% higher.
Oil prices fall
ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a subdued session on Wednesday after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.6% to US$95.21 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.8% to US$98.52 a barrel. Traders were selling oil on US-Iran peace hopes.
ASX shares going ex-dividend
A number of ASX shares are going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. This includes gold miner St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM), energy company Genesis Energy Ltd (ASX: GNE), and toll road operator Atlas Arteria Group (ASX: ALX). The latter will be rewarding its shareholders with an unfranked 20 cents per share dividend next month on 7 October.
Gold price rises
ASX 200 gold shares Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Wednesday after the gold price pushed higher. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.3% to US$4,396.4 an ounce. Falling oil prices have eased rate hike bets.
Hold Seek shares
Bell Potter thinks Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK) shares are around fair value at current prices. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating on the job listings company's shares with a trimmed price target of $13.00 (from $13.80). It said: "We await a positive shift in sentiment or visibility on jobs volumes recovery; potential near term Growth Fund monetisation remains an asymmetric upside risk, though the rising interest rate backdrop may also be an additional headwind in seeking a desired exit price for nominated assets. SEK appears to be improving operations to sustainably target 10% yield growth on top of strong cost controls, however, despite trading at deep value ex. Growth Fund, macro-based headwinds suggest difficult sentiment near-term for the stock. Maintain Hold."
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
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