What Australians have been buying and selling in 2026

What did everyday Australian investors do when markets turned volatile in 2026? Using Betashares Direct data, Bryce and Ren unpack the ETFs, stocks and themes attracting the most capital. From buying the dip in quality companies to piling into leveraged ETFs, gold, critical minerals and defence, this episode reveals how retail investors navigated a year defined by geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns and market swings. In this episode: 00:00 – What Betashares Direct data reveals about Australian investors01:09 – The most bought ETFs in 2026 so far03:04 – Top individual stocks and the rise of buying the dip06:08 – Auto-investing, market volatility and investor behaviour08:16 – Bulls vs bears: leveraged ETFs, gold and inverse funds12:01 – Critical minerals become the hottest thematic15:02 – Defence spending and geopolitical investing trends18:14 – Key lessons from retail investor behaviourETFs and Stocks mentioned: Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF), Betashares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200), Betashares Global Shares ETF (ASX: BGBL), BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ), Betashares Geared Global Equity Fund (ASX: GHHF), Betashares Geared Australian Equities ETF (ASX: GEAR), CSL (ASX: CSL), Woodside Energy (ASX: WDS), DroneShield (ASX: DRO), WiseTech Global (ASX: WTC), Pro Medicus (ASX: PME), Xero (ASX: XRO), Cochlear (ASX: COH), BetaShares Australian Equities Strong Bear ETF (ASX: BBOZ), BetaShares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET), Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE), BetaShares Global Uranium ETF (ASX: URNM), Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC), BetaShares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)Betashares Capital Ltd (ABN 78 139 566 868 AFSL 341181) is the issuer of the Betashares Funds, as well as Betashares Invest, the IDPS-like scheme available via Betashares Direct. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination, available at www.betashares.com.au, before making an investment decision. This information is general in nature and doesn’t take into account any person’s financial objectives, situation or needs. You should consider its appropriateness taking into account such factors and seek professional financial advice.———Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a messageAnd come and join the conversation in the Equity Mates Facebook Discussion Group.———Want more Equity Mates? Across books, podcasts, video and email, however you want to learn about investing – we’ve got you covered.Keep up with the news moving markets with our daily newsletter and podcast (Apple | Spotify)We’re particularly excited to share our latest show: Basis PointsListen to the podcast (Apple | Spotify)Watch on YouTubeRead the monthly email———Looking for some of our favourite research tools?Download our free Basics of ETF handbookOr our free 4-step stock checklistFind company information on TIKRResearch reports from Good ResearchTrack your portfolio with Sharesight———This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes only. Any advice is general advice and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances. Before acting on general ad