Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Wednesday

It's been a volatile day on the ASX 200 this Wednesday.

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The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has come back from its mid-week break in a bit of a strange mood so far this Wednesday. After what has been a bouncy trading day for most of the session, the ASX 200 has taken a turn for the better this afternoon. At the time of writing, the index is barely in the red at just over 7,320 points, just a 0.01% loss. 

But rather than trying to figure all of that out, let's now take a look at the ASX 200 shares that are right now topping the share market's trading volume charts, according to investing.com

The 3 most traded ASX 200 shares by volume this Wednesday

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

First up for an examination today is the ASX 200 telco Telstra. This session has had a decent 20.77 million Telstra shares change hands as it currently stands. This doesn't seem to be related to any news out of Telstra itself, seeing as there is none. So let's check out what is happening with the Telstra share price today.

Telstra has indeed had a top day thus far. It's currently bucking the market with a healthy gain of 0.58%, putting the telco at $4.32 a share. What's more, the company touched its 52-week high of $4.33 this morning as well. This is probably what is placing Telstra at our third-highest traded stock right now.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

Next up, we have the ASX 200 mining company South32. A chunky 22.2 million South32 shares have swapped owners so far this Wednesday. We haven't heard any news out of South32 today either. But this company has been on a bit of a rollercoaster this week, thanks to the guidance downgrade management released on Monday.

Back then, South32 shares fell a nasty 9% or so. Today, the company has recovered somewhat and is currently up by a vigorous 1.33% at $4.175 a share after reaching as high as $4.20 this morning. It's this recovery that seems like it is driving the elevated volumes on display here.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Last up today is the ASX 200 lithium stock Pilbara Minerals. So far this session, a notable 35.1 million Pilbara shares have been bought and sold. All has been quiet on the official Pilbara news front today as well.

But that hasn't stopped the Pilbara share price from cratering by a nasty 5.08% in late afternoon trading to $4.015 a share. Pilbara even descended as low as $3.94 a share earlier this afternoon too — representing a loss of 6.86%. This significant share price loss is almost certainly behind the high volumes we see with this ASX 200 share on Wednesday.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Telstra Group. 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 positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. 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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