3 ASX 200 financial shares to sell in today's rich market

Financials is the only sector out of 11 market sectors trading in the red on Thursday.

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Key points

  • The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index is underperforming, with financial shares being the only sector in decline, despite the broader ASX 200 trading 3% off its record high on Thursday.
  • Analysts have issued sell ratings for Commonwealth Bank of Australia, citing limited capital growth prospects after two years of gains; ANZ Group Holdings, due to concerns about their aggressive 2030 strategy and acquisition challenges; and ASX Ltd, facing rising expenses and competition from Cboe Australia.
  • These recommendations highlight concerns over growth prospects and strategic execution in the current financial market landscape.

ASX 200 financial shares are underperforming on Thursday with the sector the only one of 11 market sectors in the red.

The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) is down 0.05% at the time of writing, while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.3%.

The ASX 200 is currently at 8,825.3 points, just 3% shy of its record high of 9,115.2 points reached last month.

In today's rich market, here are three financial stocks that have attracted sell ratings from the experts.

3 ASX 200 financial shares to sell now: experts

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price is $177.99 on Thursday, up 0.9%. Over the past 12 months, the market's biggest bank stock has lifted 22%.

Remo Greco from Sanlam Private Wealth explained his sell rating on The Bull:

The CBA share price is off its 2025 highs above $191. This was despite the bank reporting a clean set of 2025 financial year results in August. In our view, the share price rise was driven by index positioning rather than the prospect of strong financial results.

Statutory net profit after tax of $10.133 billion in full year 2025 was up 7 per cent on the prior corresponding period. The shares were trading at $171.05 on October 30. The bank was recently trading on a modest dividend yield below 3 per cent.

CBA shares went on a tear from November 2023 through to June 2025, rising more than 85% to a historical peak price of $192.

Greco concluded:

CBA is a solid performer, but, in our view, capital growth appears limited.

Other stocks appeal more for potential capital growth and dividend yield.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

The ANZ share price is $37.02, up 0.5% for the day and up 18% over the past 12 months.

Greco also has a sell rating on this large-cap ASX 200 financial share.

The analyst said:

ANZ's 2030 strategy has generated investor interest, but we believe it appears too aggressive.

The Suncorp Bank acquisition needs to be successful. In our view, the ANZ doesn't have a positive track record in managing acquisitions, resulting in customer attrition.

Greco notes that ANZ shares have experienced a sharp rise recently, with the share price up 27% since the start of FY26.

The bank has enjoyed a strong run, so we would be inclined to take some profits and monitor performance and developments from the sidelines as the ambitious 2030 strategy continues to unfold moving forward.

ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX)

The share price of the Australian Securities Exchange operator is $57.49, up 0.4% today and down 12% over 12 months.

On The Bull last week, Peter Day from Sequoia Wealth Management explained his sell rating on this ASX 200 financial share.

For starters, Day noted that ASX confirmed higher expenses at its annual general meeting on 23 October.

Total expense growth is forecast to range between 14 per cent and 19 per cent in fiscal year 2026 compared to the prior corresponding period.

This includes operating expenses of between $25 million and $35 million related to the company's response to the inquiry undertaken by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

The analyst added:

Risks to the revenue outlook in the medium term have also edged higher with ASIC granting approval for Cboe Australia to list new companies, which could challenge ASX's dominant listings structure.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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