It was a rollercoaster week for ASX 200 shares as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed 6.31% higher last week. The growing coronavirus pandemic continues to weigh on investors' minds, but stimulus measures have boosted confidence.
Last week I was watching Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) and JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH).
JB Hi-Fi shares rocketed 16.12% higher last week as investors flocked back to retail shares. Woolworths shares edged 1.13% lower as the strong gains from Aussie supermarket shares slowed down. Despite Aussie equities climbing higher, the Northern Star share price closed the week up 13.06% with some investors still hedging their bets with gold.
As we prepare for another COVID-19 hit week on the markets, check out the 3 ASX 200 shares that I'll be keeping an eye on.
CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)
I think CSL shares are worth keeping an eye on this week for a few reasons.
CSL is the largest ASX company by market capitalisation and is worth $149.38 billion right now.
The ASX 200 biotech share has also proven to be quite the defensive buy in the current bear market. CSL shares have climbed 19.62% higher in 2020 and broken the $300 per share barrier again.
CSL also reaffirmed its FY 2020 guidance last week while many others are slashing earnings. Despite a drop in plasma activities right now, management has reaffirmed its FY 2020 profit guidance of ~US$2,110 million to US$2,170 million in constant currency.
Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)
I think Westpac shares are worth watching closely this week. APRA has put pressure on the banks to cut their dividends amid the current economic uncertainty.
The Westpac share price is down 34.13% in March and currently yielding 10.90% right now.
While that looks set to go to 0% for the moment, I still think the ASX 200 bank shares could be worth buying for the long-term.
Scentre Group (ASX: SCG)
The Scentre share price rocketed 10.64% higher on Thursday and is up 32.48% in April alone.
A new mandatory code of conduct for commercial landlords and tenants may have given investors more confidence in the retail REITs.
That's sent the Scentre share price climbing higher despite stress in the sector and lower foot traffic. I think Scentre is one of those ASX 200 shares that could trade heavily in the week ahead.
