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The Aussie share market looks set to open in the red this morning, down about 0.32%. This comes following Wall Street’s struggle to find direction for three main reasons:

1) Key earnings, 2) the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting and 3) concerns about more US stimulus.

COVID-19 cases have topped more than 100 million cases worldwide in just about 13 months as mutations add to the spread.

What to watch today:

• NAB Business Confidence and Westpac leading index figures for December are both out at 11:30am.
• The oil price slid 0.3% to US$52.61 following COVID-19 cases continuing to rise globally, and amid reports of a blast in Saudi Arabia. Given this, keep an eye on energy producers like Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) and Santos (ASX:STO) today.
• The gold price softened on concerns over a fresh US COVID-19 aid package. The slightly weaker dollar limited losses. The gold price fell about 0.25% to US$1,850. So, keep an eye on Newcrest Mining (ASX:NCM) and Saracen Mineral (ASX:SAR).

Local trading ideas:

• Leading mining services company, Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) has a buy rating by Bell Potter, with an increased price target of 57% to $44.40 (previously $28.50). This comes as the strength of the iron ore price currently shows no sign of abating.
• Gold producer, Gold Road Resources (ASX:GOR) also has a buy rating by Bell Potter, with an increased price target of about 3% to $2. Bell Potter believes the company is back on track with a better fourth quarter 2020 expected.
• Race Oncology (ASX:RAC), Azure Minerals (ASX:AZS) and GDI Property Group (ASX:GDI) are all giving off bullish charting signals according to Trading Central.