Why is the Coles share price lagging the ASX 200 on Friday?

The supermarket's stock is the consumer staples sector's worst performer today.

| More on:
A child pulls a very sad crying face sitting in the child seat of a supermarket trolley in a supermarket aisle lined with grocery items.

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

Key points

  • The Coles share price is underperforming on Friday, dropping 0.9% to trade at $17.44
  • That makes it the worst performing ASX 200 consumer staples stock. The index is currently down 0.05%
  • Making the drop more significant, the ABS today announced retail spending on food had lifted 1.9% in April 

The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price is in the red despite the broader market's zeal on Friday.

It's also slumping amid news that retail spending on food lifted $243.1 million last month – a 1.9% increase.

At the time of writing, the Coles share price is $17.44, 0.91% lower than its previous close.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently 1.10% higher.

Let's take a closer look at what's going on with the ASX 200 supermarket on Friday.

What's going on with the Coles share price today?

The Coles share price is trailing the broader market today. However, it's joined by some of its peers on the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ).

The sector is one of two trading in the red on Friday. It is currently down 0.05%, with Coles coming in as its biggest weight.

Also dragging on the index are shares in A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) and Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA).

The supermarket's sluggish performance comes despite the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) announcing retail spending rose 0.9% last month.

Food retailing led the way, increasing 1.9% in April to reach approximately $13 billion.

ABS director of quarterly economy-wide statistics Ben James commented on the increase, saying:

The strength in retail turnover is being driven by spending across the food industries. High food prices have combined with increased household spending over the April holiday period as more people are travelling, dining out, and holding family gatherings.

Today's dip included, the Coles share price has slumped 2.6% since the start of 2022. That means it's outperforming the ASX 200 this year ­– the index has slipped 5.3% year to date.

The supermarket's stock is also 5.1% higher than it was this time last year – outperforming the ASX 200 by nearly 4%.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 positions in and has recommended COLESGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended A2 Milk. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

A mechanic wipes his forehead under a car with a tool in his hand and looking at car parts.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why Bapcor shares are falling today despite a powerful 14% rebound this week

Lenders have approved a temporary increase to the company’s net leverage ratio covenant.

Read more »

Car dealer and happy couple talking.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Here's why a major NSW acquisition just sent Peter Warren shares higher

The acquisition materially increases Peter Warren’s presence in one of Australia’s fastest-growing automotive regions.

Read more »

a woman sits at her desk with her hand up as if saying 'pick me' as she smiles widely.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Top picks! Macquarie says these ASX stocks can rise 20% to 30%

The broker has good things to say about these stocks.

Read more »

jumbo share price - lottery ball numbers
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why Jumbo shares could be one to watch today

Investors are watching Jumbo shares after a contract-related update released after Thursday’s market close.

Read more »

A businessman in a suit adds a coin to a pink piggy bank sitting on his desk next to a pile of coins and a clock, indicating the power of compound interest over time.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

1 ASX 200 share to consider for the coming decade

I think this stock has a right decade in front of it.

Read more »

Portrait of a female student on graduation day from university.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Here's why a surprise accounting shift sent IDP shares higher today

Management reaffirmed IDP Education's FY26 guidance.

Read more »

Wife and husband with a laptop on a sofa over the moon at good news.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Bapcor shares soar 12% on the appointment of a new CEO

The market’s strong reaction reflects a clear message: investors are ready for a reset.

Read more »

A jockey gets down low on a beautiful race horse as they flash past in a professional horse race with another competitor and horse a little further behind in the background.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Gaming tech company's tie up with global operator Stake sends shares higher

An agreement to supply racing data to Stake has sent this company's shares higher.

Read more »