The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a frankly dreadful start to the trading week this Monday. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is down an incredibly nasty 2.04% so far to 7,253 points.
But rather than dwell on that sobering figure, let's instead check out the SX 200 shares that are proving most popular today by raw trading volume.
The 3 most popular ASX 200 shares by volume today
South32 Ltd (ASX :S32)
Diversified ASX 200 miner South32 is our the first cab off the rank today. This resources giant has seen a hefty 14.23 million of its shares trade on the markets so far this Monday.
With no major news or announcements out of South32, we can probably assume this high trading volume is the result of the poor performance of South32 shares today. The company is presently down a nasty 2.65% so far to $3.30 a share. It's this steep fall that is likely behind the elevated trading volumes we are seeing today.
Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)
ASX 200 lithium produer Pilbara is next up. This hot lithium share has seen a substantial 22.38 million of its shares swap hands so far. As with South32, we can probably put this high level of activity down to this company's share price performance so far today.
Pilbara is currently down a shocking 7.86% to $2.11 a share at the time of writing. This has almost certainly resulted in the high volume of Pilbara shares trading today.
Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)
Last, but certainly not least when it comes to trading volume, is ASX 200 iron ore giant Fortescue. Just like Pilbara and South32, Fortescue shares are getting hammered today. Blame falling commodity pricing, including the recent steep fall in iron ore.
This iron digger is down a chunky 3.8% so far this Monday to $14.69 a share after hitting a new 52-week low of $14.15 just this morning. This has resulted in a whopping 22.51 million Fortescue shares changing hands so far today.
