Execution-only broker TD Waterhouse has released a list of the sectors and companies that were singled out as hotspots by retail investors in 2007.

Partygaming, the world’s biggest listed online poker and gaming group saw strong trading activity this year, as 2007’s top sell and second most popular buy. Partygaming, which is incorporated in Gibraltar and exempt from UK government Stamp Duty, has been a firm favourite of TD Waterhouse retail investors since its flotation in 2005. Changing gambling regulations on both sides of the Atlantic have had an impact on the company and its share price, ensuring its popularity with TD Waterhouse investors.  

Northern Rock has vied for pole position with Partygaming as the most traded stock in 2007. As the frenzy around the troubled mortgage lender gained momentum in September, TD Waterhouse saw a month’s worth of new accounts opened in just a few days, helping propel the company to the top buy of 2007. 

Angus Rigby, chief executive of TD Waterhouse, said: “It comes as no surprise that PartyGaming and Northern Rock take the top spots in both tables, although for very different reasons. While customers have been actively trading on PartyGaming throughout the year, Northern Rock’s position is a result of the frenzied activity following the run on the bank in September.

“It is interesting to note that more people have bought than sold in Northern Rock and this can be attributed to the shares being bought in batches and sold in bulk. It does appear that some traders would rather hold onto their shares than cut their losses – only time will tell if that’s the right thing to do.”

Also high on the buy list were Royal Bank of Scotland Group, Barclays and BP. Prominent mentions on the selling side include Vodafone, BP and Barclays.