2021 was a strong year for the Australian sharemarket. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index rose from 6587.1 to close the year at 7444.6, a gain of 13.0%. When dividends are included, the return topped 17.2%.

One of the smaller industry sectors, Communication Services, was the best performing. Weighing in at only 4.5% of the total market, the sector recorded a gain of 32.6% for the year.

Communication Services is dominated by Telstra, which makes up 52% by market weight. In 2021, Telstra rose from $2.98 to $4.18 for a gain of 40.2%. Eleven other companies make up the balance, led by Seek and REA. The latter also recorded impressive gains, with Seek up by 16.4% and REA by 13.6%.

The biggest sector by market capitalization, Financials, which makes up 29.2% of the entire market, was the second-best performing sector overall with a return of 25.2%.

Sign up to the Switzer Report to read the full article.