Volatility drives buying across AUSIEX platform

Investors used September's share market weakness as a buying opportunity, with eight of the 10 most traded stocks on the AUSIEX platform recording more buying than selling across advised and self-directed investors.

AUSIEX analysis found trading activity intensified during the period of volatility, despite the S&P/ASX 200 falling 3.1% over the month.

Woodside Energy was the platform's most traded stock by volume, although it recorded a sell skew, with a buy/sell ratio of 0.38. Westpac also saw more selling than buying, with a ratio of 0.45.

AUSIEX national director of distribution Chris Hill said investors remained active as uncertainty weighed on markets.

"September's market weakness encouraged investors to act rather than retreat. The ASX 200 fell 3.1% across the month, yet periods of heightened uncertainty produced some of the strongest activity on the AUSIEX platform," Hill said.

On September 11, rising oil prices, bond yields and geopolitical concerns contributed to a 0.9% fall in the ASX 200, during one of the index's weakest weeks in six months.

Trading volumes peaked on September 17, when the market gained 0.4% despite a weaker lead from Wall Street and a US rate increase.

Hill said the session demonstrated investors' willingness to respond when market movements presented potential opportunities.

Across the 10 most actively traded stocks, Xero recorded the strongest buying bias, with a buy/sell ratio of 0.83. WiseTech Global and Fortescue followed at 0.69, while Commonwealth Bank recorded 0.63. ZIP Co, PLS Group, Linqto and BHP also featured among stocks with a buying skew.

Among advised investors, selling was concentrated in Ramsay Health Care, BHP and Woodside Energy, while Dyno Nobel, Sims and Xero attracted stronger buying.

ETFs also featured in advisers' activity. Betashares Australian Quality ETF recorded a buy/sell ratio of 0.95, while Vanguard's Australian Shares High Yield ETF reached 0.80, pointing to demand for quality-focused and income-orientated exposure.

AUSIEX, which represents about one-third of Australia's wholesale trading market, based its analysis on a large sample of platform trading data from September 1 to September 30.