The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) experienced a notable increase on March 28, 2024, rising by 0.7% to reach 9,094.7 points. As traders prepare for the new trading day, various factors are likely to influence market performance on March 29.
ASX 200 Expected to Open Lower
Despite a generally positive night of trading on Wall Street, the Australian share market is projected to open lower. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is anticipated to start the day 45 points, or 0.5%, down. While the Dow Jones increased by 0.55% and the S&P 500 edged up by 0.1%, the Nasdaq recorded a slight decline of 0.1%.
Oil Prices Surge, Affecting Energy Shares
Energy stocks may benefit from a surge in oil prices, which rose overnight. Notably, shares in companies like Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could see a positive session. As reported by Bloomberg, the price of WTI crude oil climbed 0.6% to US$57.86 per barrel, while Brent crude also increased by 0.6%, reaching US$61.38 per barrel. Market analysts suggest that the recent rise is due to perceptions that oil prices had been oversold.
Annual general meetings (AGMs) for several ASX 200 companies are scheduled for today. Noteworthy participants include APA Group (ASX: APA), Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU), National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR), and Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC). Insights from these meetings could impact trading and investor sentiment.
Gold Prices Plummet, Impacting Gold Shares
In contrast, the gold market is facing a downturn that may affect ASX 200 gold stocks. Following a significant decline, gold futures fell 5.6% to US$4,116.3 per ounce, as reported by CNBC. This drop was attributed to profit-taking after a recent record rally in gold prices. Companies like Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) are expected to experience a challenging session due to this market shift.
Hub24 Shares Gain Momentum
Amidst the fluctuations, Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) has received positive attention from analysts at Bell Potter. Following a robust first-quarter update, Hub24’s shares surged by 10% on March 28. Bell Potter has reaffirmed its “buy” rating for Hub24, raising its price target from $125.00 to $135.00. The firm expressed optimism about the company’s growth trajectory, noting that current market conditions resemble those of fiscal year 2022, when Hub24 traded at approximately 37 times blended forward EBITDA. Analysts believe that the company may be undervalued, given the increasing inflows and demand for advised clients.
As the trading day unfolds, investors will closely monitor these developments, which could shape the ASX 200’s performance in the coming hours.
