Ross Stores 36.97% Volume Surge Amid Market Sell-Off Ranks 127th in Trading Activity

Ross Stores (ROST) declined 1.03% on August 20, 2025, with a trading volume of $0.73 billion, a 36.97% increase from the previous day, ranking 127th in market activity. The stock’s performance came amid a broader market sell-off driven by weakness in tech stocks and mixed retail sector results. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 closed lower, with the Magnificent Seven stocks dragging on indices. Ross is set to report Q2 earnings alongside peers like Walmart and Target, which could influence near-term momentum.

Second-quarter earnings season is nearing completion, with over 92% of S&P 500 companies having reported. While overall results have exceeded expectations, market sentiment remains cautious due to elevated tariffs, high stock valuations, and economic uncertainty. Retailers face heightened scrutiny as consumer spending trends remain unclear. Ross’s upcoming earnings report, alongside key players like TJX and Estee Lauder, will be closely watched for insights into sector resilience amid macroeconomic headwinds.

Investor focus has shifted to tariff developments, with President Trump expanding duties on steel, aluminum, and semiconductors. These measures, coupled with a 90-day extension of the China tariff truce, add complexity to the retail sector’s cost structure. Ross, as a value-oriented retailer, may face margin pressures if supply chain costs rise. However, the company’s recent volume surge suggests lingering short-term interest in its stock despite broader market volatility.

A backtested strategy of holding the top 500 stocks by daily volume for one day from 2022 to 2025 generated a 31.52% total return, with an average 0.98% daily gain. This highlights the potential for short-term momentum in high-volume names but underscores the risks of market timing and volatility exposure.