3 ASX 200 blue-chip shares to buy and hold forever

When times get tough, ASX 200 blue-chip shares like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) can be strong buy and hold investments.

| More on:
a woman

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

Even ASX 200 blue-chip shares haven't been immune from the 2020 bear market. The coronavirus pandemic has smashed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) 21.95% lower since the start of January.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index is market capitalisation-weighted, so that means the biggest names dominate daily movements. If the index is down, that means some of the biggest names are down. 

It's not all doom and gloom for investors right now though. Those with a clear strategy to invest in high-quality shares can still build their financial futures.

As the old Wall Street saying goes, "Bulls make money, bears make money, pigs get slaughtered". If you want to stick to your guns and invest in ASX 200 blue-chip shares, here are 3 that I think are in the buy zone right now.

ASX blue-chip shares to buy and hold forever

When times are tough, I like to look right to the top of the tree. I think Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is one of those ASX 200 blue-chip shares to buy and hold forever.

CBA is the largest ASX bank by market capitalisation and weighs in at over $104 billion. The group has a strong history of raising dividends (despite concerns over a dividend cut) and is the bedrock of the Aussie economy.

I think CBA looks cheap at its price of $58.83 per share at the time of writing. For reference, its 52-week low is just $53.44 while its 52-week high from mid-February touched $91.05 per share.

Another ASX 200 blue-chip share to buy and hold is BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). I put BHP in a similar bucket to CBA in terms of being "too big to fail".

Even if mining struggles in the short term, I think it will bounce back strongly. The Federal Government could look to major infrastructure projects to kickstart the economy after the coronavirus pandemic has passed.

That puts BHP in the box seat as a raw materials supplier, and one that has strong dividends and an $87 billion market capitalisation (at the time of writing).

Finally, I like the look of Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS). Telstra is an ASX 200 blue-chip share which has been a staple for 'Mum and Dad' portfolios for decades.

The move to more remote working solutions has increased the strain on network infrastructure in Australia. However, I think it could provide momentum for Telstra's 5G network push in the coming decade.

Foolish takeaway

However you choose to invest, it's important to trust your strategy and stay the course. That may be ASX growth shares or it may be ASX 200 blue-chip shares, but remember why you're investing and what your goals are.

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ⏸️ Dividend Shares

A boy hold money and dressed in business suit next to money bags on a desk, indicating a dividends windfall
⏸️ Dividend Shares

The Accent (ASX:AX1) dividend has lifted by 22%

The company will reward shareholders with an increased dividend...

Read more »

a woman sits in the driver's seat of a car with her arm resting on the door with a small smile on her face, looking out of the car.
⏸️ Dividend Shares

Carsales (ASX:CAR) share price records a modest rise on dividend slash

Australia's largest online automotive and marine classifieds business notches a conservative share price rise on its latest report.

Read more »

A young entrepreneur boy catching money at his desk, indicating growth in the ASX share price or dividends
Bank Shares

ASX 200 bank shares to follow suit after CBA dividend hike: expert

Dividend investors rejoice! This expert expects more dividends to come from ASX 200 bank shares...

Read more »

sad looking petroleum worker standing next to oil drill
Share Fallers

AGL (ASX:AGL) dividend slashed. Share price down 3% on Thursday

More headwinds for the energy giant as its dividend is now in the spotlight.

Read more »

A girl looks through a microscope at money.
⏸️ Dividend Shares

The ANZ (ASX:ANZ) share price has only gained 10% in 5 years. But have the dividends paid off?

We do the math to see if it has been worth investing in ANZ shares over the long term...

Read more »

man laying on his couch with bundles of money and extremely ecstatic about high dividend returns
⏸️ Dividend Shares

The NAB (ASX:NAB) share price is flat 5 years on. But have the dividends paid off?

We calculate if it has been worth investing in NAB shares over the long run...

Read more »

two children dressed in business attire with joyous, wide-mouthed expressions count money at a desk covered in cash and sacks of money either side.
⏸️ Dividend Shares

Top-10 ASX dividend share delivers market-thumping share price gains

The Holy Grail for income stocks is to return strong capital gains as well

Read more »

happy woman looking at her laptop with notes of money coming out representing financial success and a rising share price and dividend yield
⏸️ Dividend Shares

Mining shares in the ASX 200 might unearth US$26b worth of dividends

Are shareholders about to dig some dividends?

Read more »