Five Key Factors to Monitor on the ASX 200 This Wednesday

3 min read | April 17, 2025 02:16 AM AEST | By Team Kalkine Media

Google News:

Five Key Factors to Monitor on the ASX 200 This Wednesday — Image source: shutterstock

Recent News

3 Best ASX Dividend Stocks Supported by Strong Margins

Electro Optic Systems (ASX:EOS): Are Defence Wins Fueling a Bigger Gro...

Why More Australians Are Rethinking Term Deposits As Rates Pause

ImpediMed (ASX:IPD): Why Has This Healthcare Stock Suddenly Grabbed At...

Make Kalkine Media
My Trusted Source

Highlights:

ASX 200 expected to rise slightly after a soft day on Wall Street.

Energy stocks may face a subdued session due to falling oil prices.

Rio Tinto’s first-quarter update for FY 2025 will draw attention.

The Australian share market looks set to see modest gains on Wednesday, even after a decline on Wall Street the previous night. The SPI futures indicate the ASX 200 will open the day slightly higher, adding just a small percentage. Despite a drop in US stock indices, Australian investors may see some positive movement at the start of the trading session.

Oil Prices Decline

The energy sector is likely to experience a quiet trading day, as both oil prices softened in the global market overnight. WTI crude oil prices have dipped slightly, while Brent crude oil has followed suit, marking a decrease in demand expectations. This drop could have an impact on companies within the energy space, including Beach Energy and Woodside Energy Group.

Rio Tinto to Release First Quarter Update

Mining giant Rio Tinto is expected to capture attention on Wednesday with the release of its first-quarter results for FY 2025. Analysts anticipate the company will report figures close to consensus estimates for iron ore shipments, copper production, and aluminium output. This update will provide further insight into the company’s operational performance and its ability to meet global demand in the mining sector.

Gold Prices See Gains

The gold sector could experience a positive trading session following an uptick in gold prices overnight. The rise in gold futures was fueled by a combination of a weaker US dollar and increased demand for safe-haven assets. This may benefit ASX-listed gold companies like Newmont Corporation and Northern Star Resources, which could see upward movement as investors look for stability in precious metals.

Energy Sector Faces Headwinds

With the downturn in oil prices, companies in the energy sector, particularly Beach Energy and Woodside Energy Group, may face a more subdued trading day. The softening in oil prices comes amid revised global demand forecasts, which could place pressure on the profitability of these energy giants.

Overall Market Trends

Despite external market pressures, the ASX 200 looks poised for a modest increase on Wednesday. Investors are watching closely for any updates from major companies, particularly Rio Tinto, as well as movements in the energy and gold sectors, which could influence market sentiment for the day. While the US market showed some weakness, it remains to be seen whether this will affect Australian investor sentiment throughout the trading session.

Disclaimer

The content, including but not limited to any articles, news, quotes, information, data, text, reports, ratings, opinions, images, photos, graphics, graphs, charts, animations and video (Content) is a service of Kalkine Media Pty Ltd (Kalkine Media, we or us), ACN 629 651 672 and is available for personal and non-commercial use only. The principal purpose of the Content is to educate and inform. The Content does not contain or imply any recommendation or opinion intended to influence your financial decisions and must not be relied upon by you as such. Some of the Content on this website may be sponsored/non-sponsored, as applicable, but is NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold the stocks of the company(s) or engage in any investment activity under discussion. Kalkine Media is neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice through this platform. Users should make their own enquiries about any investments and Kalkine Media strongly suggests the users to seek advice from a financial adviser, stockbroker or other professional (including taxation and legal advice), as necessary. Kalkine Media hereby disclaims any and all the liabilities to any user for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising from any use of the Content on this website, which is provided without warranties. The views expressed in the Content by the guests, if any, are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Kalkine Media. Some of the images/music that may be used on this website are copyright to their respective owner(s). Kalkine Media does not claim ownership of any of the pictures displayed/music used on this website unless stated otherwise. The images/music that may be used on this website are taken from various sources on the internet, including paid subscriptions or are believed to be in public domain. We have used reasonable efforts to accredit the source wherever it was indicated as or found to be necessary.