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On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week on a positive note. The benchmark index rose 0.35% to 7,796 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to fall
The Australian share market looks set to fall on Monday following a mixed finish on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 16 points or 0.2% lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.05%, the S&P 500 edged 0.15% lower, and the Nasdaq dropped 0.2%.
Oil prices soften
ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a subdued start to the week after oil prices softened on Friday. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 0.7% to US$80.73 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 0.55% to US$85.24 a barrel. This couldn’t stop oil from recording its second weekly gain amid optimism gasoline demand.
Sell Pilbara Minerals shares
The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price remains overvalued according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. In response to news of its P2000 lithium expansion, the broker has reaffirmed its sell rating and $2.80 price target. This implies potential downside of 10% for investors from current levels. The broker commented: “We see the study result for the next leg of expansion as underwhelming vs. market expectations on a combination of capex, size, and timing.”
Gold price tumbles
It could be a tough start to the week for ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) after the gold price tumbled on Friday. According to CNBC, the spot gold price was down 1.6% to US$2,331.2 an ounce. This was driven by a stronger US dollar and higher treasury yields.
Paladin Energy could be takeover target
ASX 200 uranium producer Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) will be one to watch on Monday. That’s because the miner could potentially be a takeover target for a large industry player according to reports in the AFR. The media outlet has suggested that Canada’s Fission Uranium Corp (TSX: FCU) could have its eyes on the company. Paladin Energy has projects in Africa, Australia, and Canada.