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

The ASX 200 gained 0.36% in the first week of the earnings season, finishing at 7,644.8 points on Friday.

Medical staff wear hero capes, indicting strong shar [price performace for healthcare shares

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 healthcare shares were dominant among the ASX 200 market sectors during the first week of the reporting season, gaining 1.32% over the past five trading days.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 0.36% over the week to finish at 7,644.8 points on Friday.

Only four of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the green.

Let's review.

Healthcare shares led the ASX sectors this week

Among the large-cap healthcare stocks, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares lifted 2.34% to finish at $305 per share.

This week is the first time we have seen CSL shares go above $300 since mid-June 2023. Perhaps investors are anticipating positive numbers when the company reports next Tuesday?

The Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) share price rose 4.46% to $322.73 after the company released upgraded FY24 guidance yesterday ahead of its half-year report to be released on 19 February.

Cochlear told the market it achieved stronger revenue in 1H FY24 than expected. It is now guiding an underlying net profit of between $385 million to $400 million for FY24, up 26% to 31% on the FY23 result.

Previously, Cochlear was guiding $355 million to $375 million for FY24.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH) shares moved 2.45% higher this week to close at $23.03 on Friday.

ResMed CDI (ASX: RMD) shares lost 2.99% this week after the stock went ex-dividend on Wednesday. The ResMed share price closed at $28.52 on Friday.

Investors will receive their dividend of US 4.8 cents per share on 14 March.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

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

Over the past five days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sectorChange this week
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ) 1.32%
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ) 0.91%
Financials (ASX: XFJ)0.73%
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ) 0.43%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ) (0.28%)
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)(0.54%)
Communication (ASX: XTJ)(0.86%)
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)(0.93%)
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)(1.73%)
Materials (ASX: XMJ)(3.03%)
Energy (ASX: XEJ)(3.44%)

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Cochlear. 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 businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Broker Notes

Morgans names more of the best ASX shares to buy

The broker has given these shares a big thumbs up.

Read more »

Animation of a man measuring a percentage sign, symbolising rising interest rates.
Share Market News

Are interest rate cuts now off the table for 2024?

The RBA is struggling in its battle with inflation. What does this mean for interest rates?

Read more »

A young man wearing a black and white striped t-shirt looks surprised.
Broker Notes

These ASX 300 shares could rise 20% to 65%

Big returns could be on the cards for these shares according to analysts.

Read more »

Woman at home saving money in a piggybank and smiling.
Opinions

Why I just invested another $1,000 in my favourite ASX 200 stock

I’m planning to hold this stock for a very long time.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Share Market News

Why is the ASX 200 pumping the brakes before the weekend?

Australian investors don't have the appetite today, here's why.

Read more »

Miner and company person analysing results of a mining company.
Resources Shares

Buy one, sell the other: Goldman's verdict on these 2 ASX 200 mining shares

The broker sees significant valuation differences between these 2 major ASX 200 mining shares.

Read more »

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now

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

Read more »

a man weraing a suit sits nervously at his laptop computer biting into his clenched hand with nerves, and perhaps fear.
Share Fallers

Why BHP, Lynas, Metals X, and Super Retail shares are dropping today

These shares are ending the week in the red.

Read more »