ASX 200 defensive sectors lead as index gains 0.4%

The S&P/ASX 200, a benchmark for Australian shares, rose 0.4% last week to close at 8,716.6 points.

Utilities shares led the 11 market sectors, gaining 3.64%.

Healthcare shares rose 3.53%, while real estate investment trusts, or REITs, gained 3.58%.

These sectors are often seen as defensive because they provide essential services or income that can be relatively steady during difficult economic times.

Consumer staples, including supermarkets and food producers, also gained 2.31%.

Seven of the 11 sectors finished higher, while information technology fell the most, down 1.97%.

Among utilities companies, LGI shares rose 23.16% after news of a $22 million purchase of solar power assets.