Why did ASX 200 industrial shares lead the market last week?

ASX 200 industrial stocks led the market with a 2.93% rise, while the benchmark index lifted 0.52%.

Industrials written in orange.

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

sdf

Industrial shares led the ASX 200 market sectors with a 2.93% uplift over the five trading days.

On Friday, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) reached a new all-time high of 8,615.2 points before closing at 8,555.8 points, up 0.52% for the week.

We're now midway through the February earnings season, with the ASX 200 down 2.63% since 31 January. Next week, the major miners and several big banks report their latest earnings.

On Tuesday, the market will be rocked one way or another when the Reserve Bank of Australia makes its first call on interest rates for 2025.

There is much anticipation that the RBA will finally cut the official cash rate after 14 months on hold at 4.35%.

Six of the 11 market sectors finished in the green last week.

Let's recap.

Industrial shares led the ASX market sectors last week

ASX 200 industrials shares include transport companies like airlines and toll road operators, capital goods manufacturers, and commercial services and supplies providers.

Last week, it appears the sector was pushed higher by some strong share price gains for some of the sector's largest companies after reporting their 1H FY25 results.

For example, Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU) shot the lights out last week, rising 20.73% over the five trading days to close at $42.51 on Friday.

Computershare shares also set a new record high of $43.16 per share on Friday.

The share price surge followed the release of the company's 1H FY25 results on Wednesday.

Computershare reported a 6.4% increase in management revenue to US$1.5 billion and a 27.9% jump in management EBIT (excluding margin income) to $171.2 million.

Stock in diversified investments company, SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH), formerly known as Seven Group Holdings, also soared by 12.26% last week to finish at $54.58 on Friday.

SGH shares also reached a new record high of $55.12 on Friday.

SGH released its 1H FY25 results on Tuesday, revealing a 2% increase in revenue to $5.5 billion and a 10% lift in EBIT to $843 million.

In other news, shares in toll road operator Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) rose 2.31% over the week to finish at $13.30 on Friday.

Stock in wooden pallets distributor Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB) rose by 0.36% to close at $19.28.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares rose by 0.43% to finish at $9.35 on Friday. The ASX 200 airline stock hit a new all-time high of $9.64 per share during the week.

With dividends on investors' minds this month, check out which ASX 200 industrials share will pay the best dividend yield in 2025.

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
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)2.93%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)2.42%
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)2.38%
Financials (ASX: XFJ)0.86%
Materials (ASX: XMJ)0.79%
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)0.42%
Communications (ASX: XTJ)(0.21%)
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)(0.49%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)(0.73%)
Energy (ASX: XEJ)(1.14%)
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)(3.75%)

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 positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. 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 young man wearing a black and white striped t-shirt looks surprised.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 25% to 80%

Analysts think big returns could be on offer from these shares.

Read more »

The silhouettes of ten people holding hands with their arms raised against the sky, as the sun rises or sets in the background.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors were nervous this Friday, ending the week on a sour note.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Share Market News

Where to invest $5,000 into ASX 200 shares this month

The team at Bell Potter is bullish on these names. But why?

Read more »

Man pointing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
52-Week Highs

8 ASX 200 shares hitting multi-year highs today

These shares have defied the trend, hitting new price milestones amid a day in the red for the ASX 200.

Read more »

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 young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Share Gainers

Why EOS, Evolution Mining, Renascor, and Woodside shares are jumping today

These shares are ending the week on a high. But why?

Read more »

Person with thumbs down and a red sad face poster covering the face.
Share Fallers

Why Accent, Cettire, Ioneer, and Pro Medicus shares are dropping today

These shares are ending the week in the red. What's going on?

Read more »

A group of three miners in hard hats and high visibility vests confer at a rocky mining site.
Broker Notes

Up 66% in a year, just how much more upside does Macquarie tip for Perseus Mining shares?

Just how much higher might Perseus Mining shares soar? Here’s what Macquarie had to say about the ASX 200 gold…

Read more »