5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) continued its impressive run with another solid gain. The benchmark index rose 0.9% to 9,227.8 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to edge lower

It looks set to be a soft session for Australian investors on Thursday following a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 8 points or 0.1% lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.5%, but the S&P 500 fell 0.15% and the Nasdaq dropped 0.8%.

ASX 200 results releases

A number of ASX 200 shares will be releasing their results on Thursday. This includes payments giant Block Inc. (ASX: XYZ), financial services company AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP), media behemoth News Corp (ASX: NWS), and property listings leader REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA). With respect to the latter, Bell Potter expects REA Group to report group revenue of $1,808 million and adjusted NPAT of $626 million. This represents 8% and 11% growth, respectively.

Oil prices soften

ASX 200 energy shares Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a subdued session after oil prices softened overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.1% to US$74.92 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.2% to US$79.21 a barrel. Oil prices have come under significant pressure this week amid easing US-Iran tensions.

Buy Light & Wonder shares

Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW) shares could be seriously undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, in response to the gaming technology company's results release, the broker has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $183.00 (from $190.00). It said: "We retain Buy and reduce TP. We now forecast EBITDA growth of at the lower end of the company's guidance range. We see a resumption in top line growth occurring in 4Q26. We believe LNW offers compelling value at 10x EV/EBIT(A) given growth metrics."

Gold price jumps

It looks like it could be a great session for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) on Thursday after the gold price jumped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 3.75% to US$4,308.5 an ounce. This was driven by a weaker US dollar. 

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 REA Group and Woodside Energy Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Block and Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. 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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