The ASX 200 stocks and ETFs that Gen X traded most in FY24

Gen Xers had a penchant for US shares in FY24 but also traded heavily in ASX 200 stocks and ETFs, new data shows.

A woman sits in her home with chin resting on her hand and looking at her laptop computer with some reflection with an assortment of books and documents on her table.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Large dividend-paying ASX 200 stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were among the 10 most traded securities by Gen X investors using the Selfwealth platform in FY24.

Selfwealth Ltd (ASX: SWF) recently published trading activity data for the 2024 financial year.

The data shows that Gen Xers, who were born between 1966 and 1980, favoured mining and banking shares and index ETFs tracking ASX 300 and ASX 200 stocks, US shares, and other international equities.

ETFs are baskets of stocks that allow investors to create a diversified portfolio with ease. Purchasing just one ASX ETF enables an investor to buy scores of stocks in a single trade for a single brokerage fee.

The Selfwealth data also reveals other interesting trends.

The main one is that Gen X had a penchant for US shares in FY24. In fact, Gen Xers placed more trading orders for US shares than any other generation on the Selfwealth platform.

That turned out to be smart investing, with the US shares outperforming S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) stocks by a significant margin in FY24.

The ASX 200 rose by 7.83% in FY24 and returned 12.1% if you factor in dividends on top of capital gains.

By comparison, the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) rose 28.61%, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) rose 22.7%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) leapt 13.69% in FY24.

Let's check out the data.

10 most traded ASX 200 stocks and other securities

Here are the top 10 most traded securities by volume (thus incorporating both buy and sell orders) among Gen X investors in FY24.

The percentage of buy orders is also reported alongside each security.

RankTop securities by trading volumePercentage of buy orders
1Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)80.9%
2Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)58.9%
3BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)61.1%
4ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) 53.1%
5Rivian Automotive Inc (NASDAQ: RIVN)73.9%
6Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)82.1%
7Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)76.7%
8iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV)85.5%
9Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) 64.1%
10Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) 52.7%
Source: Selfwealth

Gen Xers love US shares more than other generations

According to Selfwealth, trading volumes of US shares were "markedly higher" among Gen Xers compared to other generations.

According to the report:

In fact, overall trades in US shares by Generation X investors in the Selfwealth community were approximately three times those of Baby Boomers, and even slightly more than the combined total traded by Millennials and Gen Z investors. 

Gen X was also the only cohort to have a US stock in its 10 most traded securities.

Graphics processing units (GPU) developer NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) was also a favourite. Nvidia shares ranked just outside the top 10 most traded securities in 11th position.

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) was also popular and ranked 13th most traded security.

Both stocks are part of the Magnificent Seven.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Anz Group, BHP Group, and Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Nvidia, Tesla, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.
Broker Notes

Analysts say these ASX shares are top buys in June

Brokers are urging investors to buy these shares. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Ten happy friends leaping in the air outdoors.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors finished the trading week on a high note this Friday.

Read more »

A man in trendy clothing sits on a bench in a shopping mall looking at his phone with interest and a surprised look on his face.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Share Fallers

Why Brainchip, Findi, Lottery Corp, and REA shares are falling today

These shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

Happy teen friends jumping in front of a wall.
Share Gainers

4 ASX 200 shares leading the charge higher this week

Investors have been piling into these four ASX 200 shares this week. But why?

Read more »

Woman and man calculating a dividend yield.
REITs

What price target does Macquarie have on Goodman Group shares?

Goodman Group posted an interesting set of numbers in Q3. Here's Macquarie's take.

Read more »

A happy investor sits at his desk in front of his laptop and does the mexican wave with his arms to celebrate the returns from his ASX dividend shares
Share Gainers

Why Catapult, Champion Iron, Healthco, and Meeka Metals shares are pushing higher today

These shares are ending the week on a high. But why?

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Broker Notes

Why Macquarie expects this ASX 200 copper stock to surge 36% in a year

Macquarie forecasts some hefty gains ahead for the ASX 200 copper miner. But why?

Read more »