ASX 200 financial stocks outperformed every other market sector in FY25.
The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) lifted 24.45% and delivered total returns, including dividends, of 29.39%.
By comparison, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) increased 9.97% and produced total returns of 13.81%.
After such a strong run, what should investors do now?
Three experts delivered their verdict on four popular financial stocks on The Bull this week.
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What to do now with these 4 ASX 200 financial stocks
Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)
ASX buy now, pay later company, Zip was one of just nine ASX 200 stocks to double in value in FY25.
The ASX 200 financial stock rose by 110% to finish the year at $3.07.
Today, the Zip share price is $3.10, down 2.52%.
Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a buy rating on Zip shares but considers it "higher risk".
Wielandt said:
Despite the strong share price performance during the past 12 months, there's still much to like about Zip, in particular the significant opportunity in the buy now, pay later (BNPL) space in the US.
The BNPL market in the US is quite immature relative to Australia or Europe. With 6 million active clients and 83,000 merchants processing 88 million transactions to the value of about $12 billion, it wasn't surprising the business provided an earnings upgrade in June.
ZIP is holding more than $400 million in cash and bad and doubtful debts are low at 1.6 per cent.
Investors should expect volatility, so the stock should be considered higher risk.
Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)
The IAG share price rose by 26.5% to close out the 2025 financial year at $9.03.
The ASX 200 financial stock is $8.62, up 0.35% on Tuesday.
John Athanasiou from Red Leaf has a sell rating on IAG shares.
Athanasiou said:
IAG's strong rally to a recent high means much of its positive outlook is already priced into the share price.
For investors seeking value or growth, it may be time to take profits and seek better opportunities elsewhere.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)
The CBA share price rose by 45% to finish FY25 at $185 per share.
On Tuesday, CBA shares are down 0.24% to $174.48.
Athanasiou has a hold rating on CBA shares.
The CBA remains Australia's biggest and most profitable bank, renowned for reliable dividends and steady earnings.
Trading at a premium, much of its upside is priced in, limiting near term catalysts.
Its strong capital base and defensive earnings make it a dependable long term hold, particularly for income investors.
However, slowing credit growth and margin pressures suggest cautious expectations ahead.
Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)
Macquarie shares lifted 11.7% to $228.73 on 30 June.
Today, the ASX 200 financial stock is down 0.91% to $214.26.
Elio D'Amato from EnviroInvest recommends that investors hold their Macquarie shares.
He said:
Macquarie's full year result in May showed flat profit growth, but a strong capital position and dividend lift.
MQG remains a global leader in green infrastructure and energy transition financing, which is likely to benefit from increasing public and private spending on decarbonisation.
With macro risks still in play, we suggest holding for income and options on a clean energy rebound.
