According to CommSec, these 5 companies had the most commonly traded shares by CommSec clients last week:
- Despite Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) being downgraded by top broker Macquarie, CommSec buyers of Telstra outnumbered sellers 79% to 21% of total contract notes. The Telstra share price is down 30% over the last year and perhaps buyers are seeing it as an opportunity to buy a blue chip stock at a discounted price. I can understand how Telstra can be attractive in some portfolios. A PE ratio of 11 on a stable large cap limits the downside risk (although it could go lower) and a dividend yield of 9% provides good income (although there could be some dividend cuts). I'm staying clear of it however because there just doesn't seem to be much growth in Telstra. Its 10 year average revenue growth rate of 1% isn't likely to improve significantly any time soon in my opinion.
- Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY) were top performers last year and it appears that buyers are still quite bullish on lithium miners as demand rises. A corresponding increase in supply and profit taking may dampen their share price's short term performance but the long term fundamentals are encouraging.
- The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) has been nothing short of breath-taking with a phenomenal 300% share price growth over the last year alone. No surprise then that 55% of CommSec trades on the stock last week were by sellers looking to take some profit off the table.
- National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) was another highly traded stock and there has been recent speculation within the media that it may be looking to spin off and float its funds management, financial advice and superannuation businesses. That is certainly one to keep following as it develops because should that go ahead, it could potentially create a top-100 listed company.
