Energy, banks Selfweath’s top traded stocks

Low-cost share trading platform, Selfwealth, has revealed energy and banking stocks were among its top five most traded stocks for the month of July.

The five most popular stocks remained unchanged from last month which were Commonwealth Bank (CBA), Neuren Pharmaceuticals (NEU), BHP (BHP), Westpac (WBC) and CSL (CSL), with each seeing a percentage increase in value during the month.

BHP and CSL recorded steady capital and the banks also experienced share price gains, while Neuren benefitted from its announcement that its strategic agreement with Acadia Pharmaceuticals for its Trofinetide product has been upgraded to a worldwide licence – amounting to US$100 million upfront and future royalties.

National Australia Bank (NAB) and ANZ (ANZ) continue to fight for sixth and seventh position in July, with NAB edging out ANZ after the latter’s collective value fell by 0.7 per cent from last month despite a higher share price rise (NAB’s 7.8 per cent compared to ANZ’s 8.6 per cent).

A statement from Selfweath said ANZ shareholders were looking to guarantee their profits “amid the recent rally” which was partly attributed to the then still awaited decision from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) about ANZ’s Suncorp takeover bid which has since been denied.

“On the back of a strong showing from the energy sector, Woodside Energy (ASX: WDS) climbed two spots into 10th place. The stock gained more than 10% throughout July, which underpinned an increase in the value of WDS holdings across the Selfwealth community,” the statement said.

“Crude oil prices leapt higher last month, gaining as much as US$10 a barrel. At the same time, the company reaffirmed its full-year production guidance, drawing widespread buying interest.

“Lithium duo Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) and Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR) lost ground as investors asked some tough questions of the segment in light of developments among peers. As a growing number of miners warned about inflationary costs, and even production setbacks, the pair were among just a small selection of names in the top 20 where community holdings were cut.”