The S&P/ASX 200 index has started the new quarter just shy of record highs.
But that doesn't mean there aren't any blue-chip opportunities out there for investors.
For example, five ASX 200 blue chip shares that analysts think are in the buy zone in October are listed below. Here's why they could be top long-term picks:
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Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)
Gaming technology powerhouse Aristocrat Leisure has expanded successfully beyond poker machines in recent years. For example, its acquisition of NeoGames has boosted exposure to the fast-growing real money gaming and online lottery sector. With strong earnings growth expected and resilient cash flow generation, Aristocrat remains a very attractive ASX 200 blue chip share.
Bell Potter is a fan and has a buy rating and $79.00 price target on its shares.
Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)
Hearing implant leader Cochlear could be a great buy and hold option. Demand for its devices is rising on the back of ageing populations across the globe and broader access to hearing healthcare. With a robust balance sheet and a track record of delivering both growth and dividends, Cochlear continues to earn its place as a reliable blue-chip holding.
UBS currently rates Cochlear as a buy with a $350.00 price target.
CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)
Biotech leader CSL has faced pressure in recent months, with investor sentiment hit by the planned spin-off of Seqirus and potential US tariffs on pharmaceutical products. Even so, major brokers remain upbeat, with price targets significantly higher than current levels. And with plasma demand growing, new therapies in the pipeline, and a heavy investment in US manufacturing to reduce risk, CSL continues to stand out as a core long-term holding. Especially while it trades near a 52-week low.
Morgans currently has a buy rating and $293.83 price target on its shares.
Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)
Property giant Goodman Group has capitalised on surging demand for logistics and data centre space. With e-commerce, cloud computing, and AI infrastructure all requiring new developments, Goodman's global pipeline positions it at the heart of these megatrends. Backed by a strong balance sheet and disciplined capital management, this ASX 200 blue chip share looks well-placed to deliver sustained growth over the next decade.
Bell Potter is bullish and has a buy rating and $40.80 price target on its shares.
REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)
Finally, REA Group has cemented itself as the go-to digital property platform in Australia. Pricing power, growth in adjacent services, and expansion offshore have helped it sustain double-digit earnings growth. And with the housing market expected to boom as interest rates fall, the coming years look likely to be very positive.
Bell Potter is also bullish on this one. It has a buy rating and $284.00 price target on its shares.
