ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week

A commodities rout and an interest rate hike in Australia smashed the market last week.

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 200 financial shares led the market during a difficult week, rising 1.52% over the five trading days.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed 1.81% lower at 8,708.8 points as earnings season got underway.

The week began with a commodities rout that pummelled ASX 200 mining shares.

Investors took profits as metals, particularly gold and silver, plunged on news of the US President's Fed chair pick.

On Tuesday, a 0.25% interest rate hike in Australia benefitted the ASX 200 financial sector but created pain for tech.

ASX 200 tech shares fell almost 12% last week. The sector is now down almost 20% in the year to date.

Out of the 11 market sectors, only two finished the week in the green.

Let's review.

Young woman dressed in suit sitting at cafe staring at laptop screen with hands to her forehead looking tense

Image source: Getty Images

Financial shares led the ASX sectors last week

Share price performance varied across the ASX 200 financial sector, which incorporates bank shares, insurers, fund managers, and more.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price soared 6.39% to finish at $158.91 on Friday.

CBA will reveal its 1H FY26 results on Wednesday.

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares closed the week at $37.01, up 0.84%.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares ascended 1.57% to $39.43.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares fell 0.02% to $43.36.

The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price lost 2.05% to close at $207.83.

Among the investment companies and fund managers, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) shares fell 4.09% to $37.01.

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) shares rose 7.96% to $1.70.

Shares in Argo Investments Ltd (ASX: ARG), which reports on Monday, descended 0.77% to $9.02 apiece.

Among the financial services providers, AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) shares fell 2.94% to $1.65.

AMP will release its 1H FY26 results on Thursday.

The Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) share price dropped 3.15% to $8.92.

Buy now, pay later share Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) fell 10.19% to $2.38.

Among the ASX 200 insurers, Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) shares fell 1.08% to $4.57.

The QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) share price ascended 2.23% to $20.18.

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) shares rose 1.71% to $7.73.

IAG will release its 1H FY26 results on Thursday.

See our earnings calendar to find out when the companies you're invested in will announce their dividends.

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
Financials (ASX: XFJ)1.52%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)0.03%
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)(1.36%)
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)(2.39%)
Energy (ASX: XEJ)(2.4%)
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)(2.42%)
Communication (ASX: XTJ)(3.88%)
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)(4.08%)
Materials (ASX: XMJ)(4.12%)
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)(4.72%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)(11.91%)

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger and Gqg Partners. 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

rising asx share price represented by happy woman dancing excitedly
Share Market News

ASX 200 surging as investors look beyond Iran war

The share market ripped 224 points higher in early trading today.

Read more »

Red sell button on an Apple keyboard.
Broker Notes

Experts name 3 ASX shares to sell

Analysts are bearish on these names. But why?

Read more »

An old-fashioned news boy stands on a stool and yells through a microphone in an open field.
Share Market News

Why is everyone talking about Telix, Bank of Queensland and NextDC shares today?

Bank of Queensland, Telix, and NextDC shares are grabbing headlines on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

Buy, hold, and sell ratings written on signs on a wooden pole.
Broker Notes

Up 59% in a year, should you still buy BHP shares today?

Three investment experts deliver their outlook for BHP shares.

Read more »

Happy retirees celebrate with wine over lunch.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX dividend shares I'm betting on big-time to fund my retirement

I believe high-quality dividend stocks are worth their weight in gold.

Read more »

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, and holding a mobile phone in his other hand.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: CSL, QBE, and Pro Medicus shares

Let's see if analysts are bullish or bearish on these names.

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter names the best ASX shares to buy in April

What is the broker recommending to clients this month? Let's find out.

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Share Market News

3 exciting ASX ETFs for growth investors

Looking for growth options? Here are three funds to consider buying.

Read more »