Sell trades soar as investors cash in on share price gains
Angus Rigby, Chief Executive Officer, TD Waterhouse comments: "Sells were 15% ahead of buys this week, as some customers looked to cash in on previous gains in banking stocks. The Banks accounted for almost two thirds (62%) of the top ten buys and sells as shares in the sector gained 0.79% (39.64p) in the week ending Tuesday, 16th March.
"Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) was the second most popular trade this week - accounting for 20% of the overall top ten - amid speculation regarding its plans to buy back at least £10 billion of its £28 billion debt. The banking giant is expected to say that it hopes a vast restructuring of its balance sheets will boost its capital strength as well as its relationship with bond investors. Sells in RBS were 5% higher than buys as TD Waterhouse customers looked to cash in on a 38.51% (12.17p) rise in the bank's share price over the past month.
"The rally of banking stocks also meant that HSBC made one if its rare appearances in the top ten buys this week, accounting for 13% of all banking sector buys as customers took advantage of a (2.14%) 15.10p drop in the bank's share price over the previous week. However, its shares had a healthier start to this week amid news that the bank is pondering plans to increase its investments in China by subscribing to the CNY42 billion rights issue by Bank of Communications Co, its mainland partner in the country. HSBC is one of the country's more active lenders, having made the most of its high savings ratio and resilient economy despite the recession.
"The mining/energy sector also dug deep into the top ten this week, holding 29% of buys and sells as speculation regarding a positive announcement from Desire Petroleum helped to fuel gains in the oil and gas sector. Desire accounted for 28% of all mining/gas trades in the top ten following rumours that the oil explorer is very close to discovering oil at its Liz prospect based off the Falkland Islands. The firm's share price rose 10.5% (103p) on Monday (15 March) following further speculation that it had sent away oil found at the well for testing. Desire reached third position, accounting for 13% of the top ten buys as customers looked to invest for longer term gains."