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On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form again and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.4% to 7,769 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 expected to climb again
The Australian share market looks set for another good session on Thursday after a strong night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 51 points or 0.65% higher this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.25%, the S&P 500 rose 1.2% and the Nasdaq jumped 2%. The S&P 500 hit a record high overnight.
Oil prices rebound
ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a good session after oil prices rebounded overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.2% to US$74.15 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.2% to US$78.47 a barrel. Traders appear to believe that oil has been oversold this week.
Mineral Resources’ $1.3b asset sale
The Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) share price will be one to watch today. That’s because the mining and mining services company has just announced a major asset sale. The company has entered into a binding agreement with Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners for the sale of a 49% interest in the Onslow Iron project’s dedicated haul road. Management expects the sale to generate total proceeds of $1.3 billion. Mineral Resources will retain a 51% interest in the asset and have exclusive rights to use, operate and maintain the road.
Gold price rises
It could be a good day for ASX 200 gold miners such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) today after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 1.1% to US$2,373.3 an ounce. The precious metal rose after bond yields retreated.
Miners set to rise
Mining giants BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) look set to rebound on Thursday after a tough few days. BHP shares rose overnight on both the London Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange, which bodes well for today’s session. This was driven by a rebound in commodity prices. For example, the copper price rose 2% to US$4.63 a pound.