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 young man sits at his desk working on his laptop with a big smile on his face.
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 »

Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.
Share Fallers

Why Australian Ethical, Northern Minerals, PLS, and Woodside shares are falling today

These shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

busy trader on the phone in front of board depicting asx share price risers and fallers
Resources Shares

Brokers issue new price targets on soaring ASX 200 mining shares

ASX 200 mining shares BHP, PLS Group, South32, and many others hit multi-year highs this week.

Read more »

Concept image of a businessman riding a bull on an upwards arrow.
Share Gainers

4 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week

Investors have been bidding up these four ASX 200 stocks this week. But why?

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Share Gainers

Why Capstone Copper, Catalyst Metals, DroneShield, and Wildcat shares are rising today

These shares are having a strong finish to the week. But why?

Read more »

Person with a handful of Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Share Market News

Own DTEC or SEMI ETFs? Here's why it's a big day for you

Show us the money!

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Broker Notes

Why Bell Potter just upgraded this smashing ASX 200 stock

After rising over 100% in 12 months, Bell Potter believes there is more to come.

Read more »

A man in his 30s with a clipped beard sits at his laptop on a desk with one finger to the side of his face and his chin resting on his thumb as he looks concerned while staring at his computer screen.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Catalyst Metals, NRW, and Paladin Energy shares

Let's see what analysts are saying about these ASX 200 shares.

Read more »