ASX 200 Set for Positive Start Amid Global Market Gains
The Australian share market is poised for a positive start on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a strong performance on Wall Street on Friday. The S&P/ASX 200 Index ended the week with a 0.8% rise to 8,682.1 points, and SPI futures suggest a 0.3% increase at the opening bell. In the U.S., the Dow Jones gained 0.5%, the S&P 500 rose 0.75%, and the Nasdaq surged 1.2%.
Energy stocks may face a subdued start after oil prices fell on Friday. The WTI crude oil price dropped 1.9% to US$91.11 per barrel, while Brent crude oil declined slightly to US$102.25 per barrel. This decline was driven by optimism over the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Artrya Ltd (ASX: AYA) shares could see significant upside, according to Bell Potter. The broker retained its buy rating and $6.00 price target, highlighting the company’s fourth customer for its Salix platform. The platform improves the detection and management of coronary artery disease. The signing of Huntsville Hospital Health System as a customer is seen as a major catalyst for the stock.
Gold prices also fell on Friday, potentially affecting ASX 200 gold shares like Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST). The gold futures price dropped 0.95% to US$4,162.3 per ounce, weighed down by a strong US dollar and elevated Treasury yields.
NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) shares have been named a buy by Dolphin Partners. The recommendation comes after the company invested heavily in infrastructure over the past three years, making it an attractive entry point for long-term investors, especially given recent share price declines.