"This week has seen the return of customer appetites for the markets, according to our buy-to-sell ratios," he said. "On an average day our buy-to-sell ratios are normally on an even keel; however the activity so far this week has seen the ratio skew dramatically in favour of the buying side."
"On Wednesday, trading activity was 84:16 in favour of buying, as investors started to return to the market with what seemed a varying attitude to risk."
Industry analysts have long been saying that large cap UK companies represent the best value at the moment, but the drop in the major UK equity index has made them look even more attractive.
"The recent weakness in the market has made valuations of many FTSE 100 companies look very attractive and the falls now give way to higher yields on offer. If investors have not been exploring this, they certainly should be doing so now," added Raynor.
Lloyds, Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland have been among the most popular buys this week, according to data from The Share Centre.
"The trades so far this week show banking stocks are still very much in favour, however this should only be viewed as a short-term trade," Raynor continued. "We still feel this sector will remain extremely volatile over the coming weeks."
Top customer buys on 10/08/2011
| Fund |
% of sales on The Share Centre |
| Lloyds |
5.1 |
| Barclays |
4.5 |
| Aviva |
3.7 |
| Vodafone |
2.9 |
| Royal Bank of Scotland |
2.7 |
| Rio Tinto |
2.2 |
| Tesco |
2.1 |
| BP |
1.9 |
| Rockhopper Exploration |
1.7 |
| Afren |
1.7 |
Source: The Share Centre
Equity income investors have been shopping for bargains in favourite dividend payers such as Aviva and Vodafone.
"What is more encouraging is that investors are looking at quality FTSE 100 companies who are now sitting on impressive yields. Aviva is offering well over 7 per cent and Vodafone has over 5 per cent on the table at current prices."
"Those investors with an appetite and appreciation for risk can now look to get a much better return with some added excitement."