March is already shaping up to be an interesting month for ASX investors.
With earnings season behind us and the ASX 200 hovering near record territory, I'm not looking to make bold short-term calls. Instead, I'm focusing on high-quality businesses that I'd be comfortable owning through market ups and downs.
Here are five ASX 200 shares I'd buy in March and hold with confidence.
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Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)
CBA shares are rarely cheap, but there's a reason for that.
In its half-year results last month, the big four bank continued to demonstrate why it commands a premium to its peers. In addition, its scale, digital capability, and deposit franchise give it structural advantages in the Australian banking market. While the broader banking sector can be cyclical, CBA has consistently delivered strong returns on equity and disciplined capital management.
If I want exposure to the financial sector, I'm happy to pay up for quality rather than chase a lower multiple elsewhere.
ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)
ResMed remains one of my favourite ASX 200 growth shares.
Sleep apnoea is significantly underdiagnosed worldwide, and ageing populations only strengthen the long-term demand outlook. ResMed's connected ecosystem, strong cash generation, and ongoing product innovation make it more than just a device manufacturer.
For investors looking beyond the next quarter and into the next decade, I think this is a compelling healthcare compounder.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)
Wesfarmers is not exciting, but it is disciplined.
With exposure to Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, and an expanding industrial and lithium portfolio, Wesfarmers combines defensive retail earnings with long-term growth optionality. Management has a strong track record of capital allocation, and the group's balance sheet provides flexibility.
If volatility increases, I like having a diversified operator like Wesfarmers in the portfolio.
Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)
Hub24 continues to benefit from structural growth in superannuation and the shift toward professional financial advice.
As funds under administration grow, operating leverage can kick in. Platform businesses with recurring revenue and scalable models often become powerful long-term compounders.
It may not be the cheapest stock on the ASX 200, but for investors seeking growth exposure in financial services, I think it remains attractive.
Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)
Another ASX 200 share that I think is worth considering is Telstra.
Its mobile business continues to deliver strong earnings growth, and its dividend remains attractive, with approximately 90% franking. I also like Telstra due to its cost discipline and defensive qualities. Connectivity remains an essential service regardless of economic conditions.
In a market trading near record highs, I like balancing growth names with reliable income generators.
Foolish takeaway
There's no single perfect stock to buy in March. But if I were building or adding to a portfolio today, I'd be comfortable allocating capital across these ASX 200 shares.
Together, I believe they offer a blend of growth, resilience, and income that I think makes sense in the current environment.
