One area of the share market that has been performing very positively over the last decade has been the healthcare sector.
Since this time in 2010, the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care index has generated a return of 432% for investors.
This has been driven by increased demand, better technologies and treatments, and ageing populations.
Given how these tailwinds are likely to remain for the long term, it isn't a surprise to see that healthcare shares are popular with ASX investors today.
But which healthcare shares should you buy? Here are two highly rated options:
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Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)
When it comes to shifting demographics, and particularly in respect to the growing number of over 65s, there are few companies that stand to benefit as much as Cochlear. It is the global developer, manufacturer, and distributor of cochlear implantable devices for the hearing impaired.
Late last month analysts at Macquarie put an outperform rating and $241.00 price target on Cochlear's shares. They have been pleased with both its market share gains and the positive opinion of its products by audiologists. This bodes well for its recovery from the pandemic and future growth.
CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)
CSL is one of the world's leading biotherapeutics companies. It has been a consistently strong performer over the last decade thanks to acquisitions, its research and development activities, growing plasma collection network, and its leading therapies. The latter includes therapies such as Privigen, Hizentra, Idelvion, and Afstyla.
One broker that is confident that this strong form can continue is UBS. Last week the investment bank retained its buy rating and $346.00 price target on the company's shares. While it notes that plasma collection conditions are tough in some markets because of COVID-19, it remains positive on its outlook. Especially given how it has a range of options to mitigate this headwind.
