S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have had a rollercoaster 2020 with many being hammered by the bear market. However, that doesn't mean there aren't buying opportunities available right now. In fact, it's often easier to find value when volatility is high if you know where to look.
Here are 3 ASX 200 shares that I think can help you beat the bear market in 2020.
3 ASX 200 shares to beat the bear market
I'll start with an easy one: Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL). I like Coles given it's a defensive share in the ASX consumer staples sector.
Put simply, Coles' earnings do not vary greatly with the economic cycle. Even right now, when times are tough, Coles' sales are still going strong. People still need to buy basic groceries regardless of how good or bad the economy is.
That means Coles is one of the few ASX 200 shares to be climbing in the bear market. The Coles share price has actually climbed higher this year despite the coronavirus pandemic as Aussies have stocked up on supplies.
Another ASX 200 share that I think can beat the bear market is Xero Limited (ASX: XRO). Xero shares have edged lower in 2020 but are still outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index by more than 10%.
Xero is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) business that provides an easy-to-use accounting platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Businesses still require accounting software to keep track of JobKeeper payments and tax obligations despite the coronavirus shutdown. That could put Xero shares in a good position to weather the storm and emerge relatively unscathed on the other side.
Finally, I like the look of Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) right now. Newcrest is a leading Aussie gold miner and has held its value despite the bear market.
ASX 200 gold shares have been in high demand as investors flock to the perceived safety of the precious metal. I'm not personally a big buyer of gold shares, but I do think they will do quite well if we see ASX shares fall further.
