Advisers appeared to take a steady approach to trading in April, sticking to blue chips and select Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) as the S&P/ASX 200 returned a relatively modest 2.2% in comparison to stronger gains from global markets.

What’s new:

• Macquarie Group (ASX: MQG) dominated buying activity by advisers using the AUSIEX platform in April 26, accounting for more than a quarter of the traded value of their 10 most bought stocks. They were amongst buyers who pushed the bank’s share price by 16% higher over the month, prior to its second-best ever profit announcement on 8 May 26.
• Biotech giant CSL (ASX: CSL), another top buy among advisers in April 26, hasn’t fared as well. The company’s share price closed at $100.75 on 11 May 26 after it issued a profit warning – 19% lower than its 30 April 26 close.
• Financials featured on both sides of the ledger. Advisers bought Westpac (ASX: WBC) in April 26 too, while Commonwealth Bank (ASX: CBA) and Macquarie Group (ASX: MQG) also appeared among the top sells.

Why it matters:

• The mix of top buys suggests a balancing act between opportunity and discipline. Advisers still backed quality names but appeared to use ETFs to diversify portfolios and manage market uncertainty.
• The sell list also suggests active profit-taking or reweighting in established positions, including Commonwealth Bank (ASX: CBA), Woolworths Group (ASX: WOW), QBE Insurance Group (ASX: QBE), and Woodside Energy (ASX: WDS).

Source: AUSIEX Data for April 2026.

Quick take:

• Advisers’ trading centred on blue chips in April 26 as they appeared to calibrate portfolios in response to still uncertain market conditions, while also using ETFs to generate defensive income and manage currency risk.

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