5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a mildly positive session and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.15% to 8,831.3 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 subdued session for Australian investors despite a good night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 1 point lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.7%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.6%, and the Nasdaq jumped 1.05%.

CSL appoints new CEO

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares will be on watch on Thursday after the biotech giant announced the appointment of its new CEO. Deborah Waterhouse will commence in the role from 1 February 2027. The company notes that the appointment was made following an extensive global search process. It highlights that Ms Waterhouse is a proven commercial leader with more than 25 years' experience managing complex global specialty pharmaceutical companies across the U.S., the UK, Europe, and Australia.

Oil prices mixed

ASX 200 energy shares Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) will be on watch following a mixed night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is flat at US$97.82 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$109.74 a barrel. Traders appear undecided where next for oil prices following Middle East developments.

Accumulate BHP shares

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares could be good value according to analysts at Ord Minnett. In response to the mining giant's quarterly update, the broker has upgraded BHP shares to an accumulate rating (from hold) with a $63.00 price target. Based on its current share price of $58.54, this implies potential upside of approximately 8% for investors. Ord Minnett also expects a dividend yield of around 4.75%. 

Gold price rises

It could be a relatively positive session for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) on Thursday after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.25% to US$4,152 an ounce. This saw the gold price recover from a one-week low.

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 CSL and Woodside Energy Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and CSL. 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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