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We recently published a list of 10 Most Active US Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. In this article, we are going to take a look at where BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BBAI) stands against other most active US stocks to buy according to hedge funds.
Over the past five years, the U.S. stock market has experienced growth in trading volume. According to data from the World Bank, the total value of stocks traded in the U.S. increased from approximately $36.3 trillion in 2019 to over $44.3 trillion in 2022. The upward trend reflects the U.S. stock market’s growth over the years. As of March 11, 2025, the total consolidated volume reached 19.3 billion shares, with major exchanges like NYSE and NASDAQ contributing significantly to this activity.
Correlation Between Trading Volume and Stock Returns
Empirical studies have explored the relationship between trading volume and stock returns. For example, research on the BRVM found a directly proportional relationship between stock returns and trading volume. This means that when a stock sees an increase in volume, it might also experience a corresponding change in its return profile. The practical takeaway is that active stocks often benefit from greater investor interest, which can, in turn, drive short-term price momentum.
While trading volume remains strong, the broader U.S. stock market is currently facing heightened volatility and economic uncertainty. The broader market index has dropped nearly 9% over the past month, reversing its gains from late 2024. This decline is largely driven by trade tensions and policy shifts, with new tariffs imposed on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada adding to investor concerns.
The uncertainty surrounding these trade policies has led to increased caution among investors and a shift in investment strategies. Major indices, including NYSE and NASDAQ, have shown instability, while the Magnificent Seven tech stocks have collectively fallen by 14% in the last three weeks. Financial institutions have adjusted their forecasts in light of these developments. Goldman Sachs, for instance, has reduced its year-end target for the broader market from 6,500 to 6,200, citing elevated policy uncertainty and tighter financial conditions.
While the market may face challenges, hedge funds continue to target stocks that remain highly active and resilient in volatile conditions. They often focus on highly active stocks due to their liquidity, volatility, and potential for short-term gains. Active stocks, characterized by high trading volume, provide hedge funds with the flexibility to enter and exit positions efficiently without significantly impacting prices. This makes them ideal for strategies such as momentum trading, arbitrage, and algorithmic trading. For instance, data from a leading electronic platform for the trading of bonds indicated that hedge funds’ share of trading volumes in the European government bond (EGB) secondary market surged from 26% in 2018 to 56% in 2023. This substantial increase underscores hedge funds’ preference for markets where high trading volumes allow for swift entry and exit positions.