S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have risen by less than 1% in the calendar year to date (YTD).
Let's start the new week with some fresh ratings on three ASX 200 shares.
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BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)
BHP shares finished last week at $62.93 apiece, up 38% YTD.
Elio D'Amato from EnviroInvest has a hold rating on this ASX 200 mining share.
D'Amato said (courtesy The Bull):
This diversified miner produces iron ore, copper and other commodities critical to global economic growth. It remains a core holding in many portfolios due to its scale, balance sheet strength and ability to generate significant cash flow through commodity cycles.
However, in my view, recent news reports highlighting delays to decarbonisation initiatives and a reduced emphasis on environmental objectives are disappointing.
Copper and potash projects still provide exposure to the energy transition, but the environmental investment case is less compelling than it was several years ago.
Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)
The Nine Entertainment share price closed at 91 cents on Friday, down 18% YTD.
Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a sell rating on this ASX 200 communications share.
Wielandt commented:
This TV, newspaper publishing and streaming company has restructured its asset portfolio. It completed the sale of Nine Radio on April 30 and acquired QMS Media on March 31.
The prospect of higher interest rates in a slowing economy present challenges, making it difficult to identify sufficient catalysts for meaningful growth.
In our view, there remains a structural shift away from free-to-air television towards streaming services and video on demand, but this in only partially addressed through NEC's 9Now and Stan platforms in a fiercely competitive environment.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)
The Wesfarmers share price closed at $86.47 on Friday, up 5.8% YTD.
Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a hold rating on this ASX 200 consumer discretionary share.
Wielandt said:
The company's operations span across a diversified industrial portfolio, including retail, fertilisers, chemicals and more recently healthcare. However, the market is cautious about a slowing domestic economy under pressure from rising interest rates.
A proposed change in taxation treatment for capital gains may slow the property market.
Wesfarmers is one of the biggest employers in Australia, so a minimum 4.75 per cent wage increase for employees from July 1, 2026 may also weigh on the minds of investors.
