Here's how the ASX 200 market sectors stacked up last week

ASX utilities shares led the 11 market sectors for a second consecutive week.

a smiling young woman carrying a pile of books, indicating a lifting share price for book sellers

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

ASX 200 utilities shares led the market sectors for a second consecutive week, gaining 2.92% over the five trading days.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 0.045% over the week to finish at 7,788.1 points on Friday.

The market got a jolt on Thursday when the latest US inflation data came in stronger than expected.

Many analysts say the numbers will push back the timing of the Federal Reserve's first interest rate cut.

Five of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the green.

Let's recap.

Utilities shares led the ASX sectors again last week

Among the larger ASX 200 utilities companies, AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) led the pack.

AGL shares rose 4.89% over the five trading days to close at $9.01 per share on Friday.

There was no news out of AGL last week. My colleague Mitch reckons the company may benefit from the Future Made in Australia Act announced by the Federal Government.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) shares weren't too far behind, with a 4.32% gain to $9.77. The bulk of that gain came on Friday after Origin announced a major renewable energy acquisition.

Origin has a deal on the table with Virya Energy to acquire its Yanco Delta Wind Farm, which is one of the largest and most advanced wind and energy storage projects in NSW.

Utilities shares outdid materials shares by just 0.02% over the week.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares gained 6.41% to close at $127.90 on Friday. Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares rose 5.27% to $25.75. The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price gained 3.08% to $45.52.

This followed a 3.6% lift in the iron ore price over the week to US$104.20 per tonne. The bump came amid optimism that demand from Chinese steel producers will go higher from here.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here's how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sectorChange last week
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)2.92%
Materials (ASX: XMJ) 2.9%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ) 1.23%
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)0.1%
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ) 0.05%
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)(0.52%)
Financials (ASX: XFJ)(0.88%)
Communication (ASX: XTJ)(0.92%)
Energy (ASX: XEJ)(1.08%)
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)(1.4%)
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ) (2.05%)

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A man sits in contemplation on his sofa looking at his phone as though he has just heard some serious or interesting news.
Share Market News

Why AMP says interest rates won't rise next week

What is the RBA going to do with interest rates next?

Read more »

Happy man working on his laptop.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors enjoyed another strong showing this Tuesday.

Read more »

Man pointing at a blue rising share price graph.
Share Gainers

Guess which little ASX tech share is surging 20% on a huge income rise

A change a contract could hint at future profitability.

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Aeris Resources, Mesoblast, Pointsbet, and Worley shares are sinking today

These shares are having a poor session on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.
Share Gainers

Why Clarity Pharmaceuticals, DroneShield, IGO, and Serko shares are surging

These ASX shares are having a strong session on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

A middle aged couple look at clothing on a rack in a retail store
Share Market News

How Aussie retail sales just boosted the ASX 200 on Tuesday

The latest Aussie retail sales data is offering a boost to the ASX 200. But why?

Read more »

A silhouette shot of a man holding a control in his hands and watching as a drone hovers overhead with sunrays coming from the sky.
Technology Shares

Why the Droneshield share price is flying higher on Tuesday

ASX investors are bidding up Droneshield shares on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

Worker at a gas and oil pipeline.
Energy Shares

Are Woodside shares dirt cheap at two-year lows?

This energy giant's shares just hit a two-year low.

Read more »