Which ASX 200 shares withstood today's selloff?

Some ASX 200 shares like Afterpay (ASX: APT) and Appen (ASX: APX) held up well today despite the broader market slumping by almost 2%.

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

Broad selling across all S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) sectors pushed the market down 1.96% on Wednesday. 

After closing at an all-time record high of 7,172 points on 10 May, the ASX 200 has since shed 3.4% and is back below the 7,000-mark at 6,927.30 points. 

As volatility continues to move the market in a whipsaw like action, here are some of the ASX 200 shares that were able to withstand today's sharp selloff. 

Which ASX 200 shares are green in the sea of red? 

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX

The Appen share price popped 18.86% higher following a trading and restructuring update

Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL

Nuix has come under increasing media scrutiny over its governance and business activities. This dragged its share price down to record lows of $3.13 on Monday. 

The company's recent attempt to come clean has helped its shares bounce off these lows. The Nuix share price closed 4.86% higher today at $3.67. Today's strength could be a case of continuing market optimism, especially following the share's 55% year-to-date slump.

Morgan Stanley also provided a note today, retaining an overweight rating and a $7.50 target price for the company.

ASX 200 tech shares positive-ish

Excluding the announcement-driven moves by Appen and Nuix, ASX 200 tech shares held up comparatively well despite the weakness across the broader market. 

ASX 200 shares including Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT), Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) were all swinging between positive and negative territory on Wednesday. The three ASX tech heavyweights finished the day trading between -0.51% and +0.94%, compared to the almost 2% fall for the ASX 200. 

Despite the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQ: .IXIC) falling 0.56% overnight, US-listed buy now, pay later provider Affirm Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: AFRM) finished the session 2% higher. This may have played a part in keeping the Afterpay share price afloat on Wednesday.

ASX 200 retailers holding up

A few ASX 200 shares in the retail sector also managed to hold up comparatively well. The likes of Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN), Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) and Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1) all closed between -0.38% and +0.39%.

Many ASX 200 retailers faced heavy selling in late April/early May after previously surging into record territory. With the likes of Harvey Norman, Bapcor and Accent all down 10% to 15% from their March/April highs, some investors may be thinking they have reached oversold territories so have been offering up some buying support today. 

Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO, Appen Ltd, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Nuix Pty Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Bapcor. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group and Nuix Pty Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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

Here's what Westpac says the RBA will do with interest rates next week

Will the central bank hike rates? All signs point to yes.

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Broker Notes

Ord Minnett tips these ASX All Ords shares to rise 30% to 50%

Let's see what the broker is recommending to clients.

Read more »

Five young people sit in a row having fun and interacting with their mobile phones.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors ended the trading week on a sour note today.

Read more »

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Share Market News

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure successfully issues inaugural A$350m medium-term note

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure has priced a $350 million inaugural note to boost funding flexibility and support its asset base.

Read more »

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: DBI, GQG Partners, and Rio Tinto shares

Here's what the broker is saying about these shares.

Read more »

Wife and husband with a laptop on a sofa over the moon at good news.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 stocks storming higher in this week's slumping market

These three ASX 200 stocks have gained 10% to more than 25% this week despite the broader market retrace. Here’s…

Read more »

Business man at desk looking out window with his arms behind his head at a view of the city and stock trends overlay.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why CAR Group, Immutep, Northern Star, and Syrah Resources shares are sinking today

These shares are ending the week in the red? Here's why.

Read more »