5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and edged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.9% to 8,789.3 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to fall
It looks set to be a poor start to the month for Australian investors following a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 48 points or 0.55% lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones fell 0.85%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.25%, but the Nasdaq rose 0.25%.
ASX 200 shares paying dividends
A number of ASX 200 shares are rewarding their shareholders with dividends on Thursday. This includes diversified food company Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA), appliance manufacturer Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG), drinks giant Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV), and job listings leader Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK). The latter is paying 25 cents per share to shareholders.
Oil prices rise
ASX 200 energy shares including Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a decent session after oil prices rose overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.1% to US$90.35 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$103.50 a barrel. Doubts over US-Iran peace talks were behind the rise.
Buy Liontown shares
Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares are undervalued according to Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the lithium miner's shares with a trimmed price target of $1.70. It said: "LTR's EV is lagging the recent recovery in lithium markets and expected tight supplydemand fundamentals. When LTR was trading at its current EV in October 2025, SC6 prices were US$820/t and net debt was $274m. Since then, the Kathleen Valley underground ramp-up has been further de-risked and spot SC6 prices are above US$1,700/t. While we expect lithium markets will be volatile, market fundamentals remain strong. Over FY27, LTR will continue to ramp up and de-risk Kathleen Valley, a highly strategic asset in terms of scale, long project life and location in a tier-one mining jurisdiction."
Gold price edges higher
It could be a positive day for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) on Thursday after the gold price edged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.2% to US$4,189.5 an ounce. Cooler inflation data boosted the precious metal.
The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Endeavour Group and Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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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