5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday 24 August 2026

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week with a small decline. The benchmark index fell 0.25% to 9,058.9 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set for a solid start to the week following a good session on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 41 points or 0.45% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 1%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.45%, and the Nasdaq pushed 0.45% higher.

Oil prices rise

It could be a positive start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices rose on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.25% to US$87.06 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 0.65% to US$94.39 a barrel. This was despite reports claiming that the Iranian government wants to end the war soon.

GYG shares downgraded

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) shares are around fair value now following a recent rally according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to the quick-service restaurant operator’s FY 2026 results, the broker has downgraded its shares to a hold rating with an improved price target of $27.30. It commented: “While we think GYG is a clear leader in the QSR space after displaying strong comp sales growth, margin expansion, and further network growth opportunities, we see near-term cost headwinds and a consumer slow-down as a risk to FY27 guidance and view the current multiple as fairly valued. While we increase our PT ~11%, it is only a modest premium to the share price, so we downgrade to HOLD.”

Gold price jumps

It is likely to be a strong start to the week for ASX 200 gold shares Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) after the gold price jumped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 2.4% to US$4,680.6 an ounce. The precious metal hit a three-month high on US dollar weakness.

ASX 200 results

A number of ASX 200 shares will be on watch on Monday when they release their latest results. Among the names to watch are Dan Murphy’s owner Endeavour Group (ASX: EDV) regional bank Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN), lithium leader PLS Group (ASX: PLS), and health insurance company NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF).