The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is trading in the green again on Tuesday morning. At the time of writing, the index is 0.51% higher at 9,077.70 points. This is close to its all-time high of 9,097.10 points on Thursday last week.
Thursday's index peak was driven by a flurry of trading activity, particularly in the defence, technology, and rare earths sectors. And now, new data from CommSec reveals the Australian shares that were most traded by its clients last week, highlighting investor sentiment and market momentum.
Most traded Australian shares
CommSec's data shows that Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO) was the most traded stock by its clients between 13th October and 17th October.
It's unsurprising that Droneshield shares made the top of the list, given ASX defence stocks are in the spotlight right now. At the time of writing, its share price has soared 11.52% higher for the day. The uptick follows an impressive third-quarter update, with the company an enormous 377.03% higher for the year.
Analysts expect a significant upside over the next 12 months, too. The counter-drone company is expected to build on its revenue growth and expand its sales pipeline.
Next on CommSec's most traded Australian shares list are Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX) and Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) shares.
Novonix shares have likely benefited from a spike in interest in battery technology for electric vehicles. Meanwhile, there has been a boom in demand for rare earths and heightened trade tensions between China and the US. This has likely ignited interest in Arafura Rare Earths shares.
Macquarie recently told investors that it expects the rare earths market to remain tight for the remainder of 2025. It also expects a supply deficit for 2026 and 2027.
Investors have been snapping up shares in rare earths producers after China announced plans to restrict the export of rare earths and the US threatened to put 100% tariffs on China.
CommSec clients were also interested in Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC), technology defence manufacturer Electro Optic System Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS), and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares during the course of the week. Investor confidence in CBA shares was reignited following its annual general meeting (AGM) last week.
Elsewhere, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), and Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX: RML) shares completed the top 10 most traded shares by CommSec clients for the week.
