5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a positive day and charged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.4% to 8,732.4 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

The Australian share market looks set for another good session on Friday following a strong night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 54 points or 0.6% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.6%, the S&P 500 rose 1.15%, and the Nasdaq jumped 1.7%.

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a poor finish to the week after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.15% to US$101.26 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.55% to US$104.19 a barrel. This reflects more crude oil being brought to market.

Sell REA shares

The REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) share price could be overvalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its sell rating on the property listings company's shares with an improved price target of $148.00. It said: "We retain our Sell recommendation. Despite REA's ability to generate strong results in challenged operating environments, we continue to see significant downside risk to listings volumes/earnings vs. company guidance and consensus and await further data points via lending volumes and market listings before re-considering our thesis."

Gold price softens

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) 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$4,380.8 an ounce. The precious metal has come under pressure this week after US interest rates were increased.

James Hardie shares upgraded

Morgans was pleased with the investor update from James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX) this week. In response, the broker has upgraded the building materials company's shares to an accumulate rating with a $43.00 price target. It said: "…management guided to 4% to 7% organic sale growth above market, while stressing the growth did not require a US housing recovery to work. The growth is meant to come from the AZEK combination, synergies running ahead of plan, and a leaner, lower-capex portfolio after the Europe sale."

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 REA 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.

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. 2026