ASX 200 rebounds as investors seek bargains following market sell-off

Every market sector recorded gains last week with consumer staples shares leading the way, up 3.9%.

Two people jump and high five above a city skyline.

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rebounded last week, rising 1.83% to close at 7,932.1 points on Friday.

Every one of the 11 market sectors recorded gains over the week, with consumer staples the strongest cohort, up 3.9%.

Last week's recovery followed four weeks of falls that left the ASX 200 on the brink of an official market correction.

A correction is defined as a 10% fall from the most recent peak.

The benchmark index fell 9.43% from its record closing high on 14 February to what appears to have been the trough on 13 March.

Global markets fell over the month as concerns rose about US tariffs potentially creating a trade war and sending the US into recession.

Last Thursday, the US Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates on hold at 4.25% to 4.5% seemed to lift market sentiment.

In Australia, the news prompted the largest rally in ASX 200 shares in nine weeks.

Investors were also comforted by US Fed Chair Jerome Powell stating that historically, inflation created by tariffs can be "transitory".

Judging by the strength of the market rebound, it appears many ASX 200 investors were prompted to buy the dip last week.

There were plenty of good options, with several ASX 200 blue-chip shares trading at multi-year lows following the sell-off.

And here's a fun fact for you: Did you know that one market sector actually gained value during the sell-off?

Let's recap the week.

ASX consumer staples shares lead the recovery

Let's start our coverage of the ASX 200 consumer staples sector with the supermarket shares.

Last week, the sector's biggest stock, Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), ripped 7.6% higher to finish at $29.93 per share on Friday.

The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price lifted 4.51% to close at $19.46.

Shares in IGA network owner Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) rose 4.93% to $3.19 per share on Friday.

Looking at some ASX 200 food and milk shares now…

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) shares rose 4.4% to $5.24 per share.

Shares in poultry producer Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) lifted 0.3% to $3.12 per share.

Synlait Milk Ltd (ASX: SM1) shares rose 7.7% to 92 cents, while A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) sank 7.1% to $8.13.

Shares in olive oil producer Cobram Estate Olives Ltd (ASX: CBO) fell 1.8% to $1.89 apiece.

Onto the ASX 200 wine shares and alcohol retailers…

The Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price slipped 1.3% to finish the week at $9.95.

Shares in BWS and Dan Murphy's owner Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) fell 2.4% to $4.02.

Among the ASX 200 agricultural shares

The Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) share price rose 2.5% to finish the week at $7.02.

Shares in stock feed producer Ridley Corporation Ltd (ASX: RIC) lifted 2.8% to $2.56 per share.

The Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) share price lost 2.7% to close at $6.89 on Friday.

The Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC) share price fell 4.2% to $1.48.

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
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)3.9%
Energy (ASX: XEJ)3.25%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)2.4%
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)2.23%
Financials (ASX: XFJ)2.22%
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)1.79%
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)1.32%
Communication (ASX: XTJ)1.31%
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)1.19%
Materials (ASX: XMJ)1.04%
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)0.76%

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Coles Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended A2 Milk, Elders, and Treasury Wine Estates. 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

Time to sell ASX 200 shares written on a clock.
Share Market News

Sell alert! Why analysts are calling time on these 2 ASX 300 stocks

Two leading investment experts recommend selling these ASX 300 shares today. But why?

Read more »

Woman with $50 notes in her hand thinking, symbolising dividends.
Share Market News

Centuria Industrial REIT announces 4.2 cent December 2025 distribution

Centuria Industrial REIT announced a 4.2 cent per unit distribution for the December 2025 quarter.

Read more »

A young investor working on his ASX shares portfolio on his laptop.
Share Market News

Dexus issues $500 million in new subordinated notes to boost flexibility

Dexus has priced A$500 million in subordinated notes to support investment opportunities and strengthen its funding base.

Read more »

person holding hat
Broker Notes

3 ASX 200 large-cap shares just re-rated by analysts

We reveal the latest views on an ASX 200 large-cap miner, retailer, and consumer staples leader.

Read more »

A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.
Broker Notes

Down 80% in 2025: Is it time to buy this beaten down ASX stock?

Let's see what Bell Potter is saying about this stock after its heavy decline.

Read more »

A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares
Broker Notes

NextDC shares jump 11% on major OpenAI deal

This data centre operator will be home to the AI giant in Australia.

Read more »

Businesswoman holds hand out to shake.
Mergers & Acquisitions

These two takeover targets are still trading below their potential bid prices

Takeovers can provide windfall gains for investors, if they get in at the right price.

Read more »

two people sit side by side on a rollercoaster ride with their hands raised in the air and happy smiles on their faces
Opinions

Up over 200% in 6 months: Are Pilbara Minerals shares still a buy?

How high can the lithium producer’s shares go?

Read more »