5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fought hard but recorded a very small decline. The benchmark index fell slightly to 8,714.3 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to open flat

The Australian share market looks set for a subdued session on Friday following a poor night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day flat this morning. On New Year's Eve on Wall Street, the Dow Jones was down 0.6%, the S&P 500 was down 0.75%, and the Nasdaq fell 0.75%.

Oil prices fall

It could be a poor 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 fell. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.9% to US$57.42 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.8% to US$60.85 a barrel. This means that oil prices had their worst year since 2020.

BHP and Rio Tinto on watch

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares will be on watch on Friday. On Wednesday night, both miners' NYSE listed shares ended the year in the red. BHP's shares were down 0.9% and Rio Tinto shares were down 0.6%. Though, it is worth noting that both giants recorded strong gains for 2025 despite this.

Gold price tumbles

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a tough finish to the week after the gold price tumbled lower. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1% to US$4,341.1 an ounce. Traders were selling gold and silver after CME raised its precious metals futures margins again. This couldn't stop the gold price from recording a gain of over 60% for 2025.

Tech weakness

Aussie tech stocks Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares could have a poor session after weakness in the US tech sector on New Year's Eve. Life360's NASDAQ listed shares fell almost 4%, which doesn't bode well for today's session. Nevertheless, the location technology company's shares still recorded a gain of approximately 50% for 2025.

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 Life360, WiseTech Global, and Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. 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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