ASX 200 Strategy: Buy, Hold, or Sell These Industry Giants

The ASX 200 index features numerous industry giants. Among them, three companies have recently caught the attention of analysts regarding their investment potential. This article reports insights into their current assessments, revealing which stocks are prompts for buying, holding, or selling.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd: Sell Recommendation

Analysts at Sanlam Private Wealth have issued a sell recommendation for ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ). The bank’s shares recently surged after the announcement of its 2030 strategy. However, the firm believes this growth places ANZ at a premium with uncertain outcomes for its strategic plans.

Since the unveiling of the 2030 strategy in late 2025, ANZ shares climbed. The price increased from $32.67 on September 24, 2025, to close at $38.85 on November 12 of the same year. As of January 22, 2026, shares were trading at $36.34.

• The 2030 strategy entails halting an $800 million share buyback.
• The bank aims to expedite the implementation of the ANZ Plus digital platform for retail and business customers.
• ANZ plans to reduce duplication and simplify operations as part of this initiative.

Given its early-stage strategy and the current premium, Sanlam suggests investors consider locking in profits at this point.

BHP: Strong Buy Recommendation

BHP (ASX: BHP) has received a strong buy rating from Sanlam Private Wealth. The analysts believe that BHP is strategically positioned to leverage potential interest rate cuts in the U.S. in 2026. This anticipated monetary easing is seen as a catalyst for global growth and could positively impact the company’s performance.

According to analysts:

• Global growth conditions are expected to strengthen.
• Demand for commodities remains robust, creating favorable market conditions.
• Australian dollar appreciation could also enhance BHP’s earnings.

BHP is viewed as an attractive option for investors looking to gain from shifts in global markets.

Macquarie Group Ltd: Hold Strategy

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) is rated as a hold by analysts at Red Leaf Securities. They express concerns that there are no immediate catalysts to justify buying shares at this time.

Despite Macquarie’s strong diversified earnings in banking, asset management, and commodities, analysts highlight that recent share prices reflect much of its quality. Key points include:

• Macquarie maintains a robust balance sheet and disciplined capital management.
• Its cyclical exposure in capital markets limits immediate upside potential.

While existing shareholders can see value in Macquarie as a core holding, the recommendation is to wait for more favorable market conditions before making new investments.

Conclusion

In summary, the ASX 200 presents varied investment opportunities. Investors are advised to consider the outlook for ANZ, BHP, and Macquarie when making buy, hold, or sell decisions. As always, individual circumstances and market conditions should guide investment strategies.