Sydney, Feb 1, 2026, 17:33 AEDT — The market has ended its session.
Woolworths Group Ltd shares rose by A$0.35, or 1.1%, ending Friday at A$30.94, even as the wider market slipped. The stock swung between A$30.69 and A$31.10, with about 3.1 million shares changing hands, according to data.
That relative strength matters going into Monday since supermarkets tend to be “defensive” plays — people keep buying groceries even when markets shake and wallets tighten.
Two key events loom next week. The central bank acts first. Then, a flood of retailer earnings reports hits—often the true gauge of who can hold onto their margins in a tough market.
Coles Group Limited rose 1.1% on Friday, ending the day at A$21.28. The stock followed Woolworths higher despite a dip in the benchmark.
The Reserve Bank of Australia will announce its monetary policy decision statement at 2:30 p.m. AEDT on Tuesday. The update is expected to outline the bank’s position on interest rates and provide its latest view on inflation and demand.
Supermarket investors are betting on rates staying put. When rates rise sharply, household budgets tighten, pushing shoppers to favor more own-brand products and cut back on extras — a move that can swiftly pressure gross margins.
Woolworths has set Feb. 25 to unveil its fiscal 2026 half-year results, giving the market a clear date to watch.
Coles Group Limited will release its interim results on Feb. 27, followed by an analyst briefing at 10:00 a.m. AEDT. This update arrives just two days after a separate major announcement.
Risks go beyond just basket size. A December Reuters report uncovered that Woolworths is battling a class action in South Australia over alleged underpayments. The retailer had previously flagged a potential post-tax charge ranging from A$180 million to A$330 million tied to these historic payroll issues.
Woolworths revealed last week that Jon Alferness will join its board from March 1, according to an ASX filing, as Tracey Fellows gets ready to retire. Chair Scott Perkins said the company is pleased to welcome Jon to the Board.
The next session will depend on whether Friday’s move into staples holds when trading picks up again. Then, attention shifts to Tuesday’s RBA decision—the first big event before Woolworths reports earnings later in February.
