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On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week with a strong gain. The benchmark index rose 0.9% to 7,959.3 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to rise again
The Australian share market looks set to rise again on Monday following a strong finish on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 51 points or 0.6% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.6%, the S&P 500 was 0.55% higher, and the Nasdaq rose 0.6%.
Oil prices soften
ASX 200 energy shares including 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 0.5% to US$82.21 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 0.4% to US$85.03 a barrel. This meant oil prices snapped their four-week winning streak.
Sell ASX Ltd shares
Goldman Sachs thinks that ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX) shares are overvalued. This morning, the broker has reiterated its sell rating with an improved price target of $59.50. Goldman commented: “We maintain Sell on ASX relative to our coverage with a revised PT of $59.50 (earnings upgrades to reflect recent operational trends). ASX trades at 25x FY25 EPS – on the higher side vs global peers with D&A drag to result in muted medium-term profit growth.”
Gold price edges lower
It could be a soft start to the week for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) after the gold price edged lower on Friday. According to CNBC, the spot gold price was down slightly to US$2,420.7 an ounce. This couldn’t stop the gold price from recording its third consecutive weekly gain on interest rate cut hopes.
Zip returns to the ASX 200 index
Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares will be on watch today after S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that the buy now pay later provider will be added to the S&P/ASX 200 Index this month. Zip returns to the benchmark index in response to the removal of electronic design software provider Altium Limited (ASX: ALU), which is being acquired by Renesas Electronics Corporation. The change is expected to take place on 22 July.