UnitedHealth Group Surges 11.98% on Record $20.75B Volume Ranking Third in Market Activity as Institutional Buyers Bet on Healthcare Policy Shifts

On August 15, 2025, UnitedHealth Group (UNH) surged 11.98% to close at $482.25, driven by strong institutional buying activity. The stock saw a record $20.75 billion in trading volume, marking a 196.06% increase from the previous day and ranking third in market activity. This surge followed a strategic shift in healthcare policy that expanded coverage for preventive care services, directly aligning with UnitedHealth's core business segments.

Analysts noted the move reflected broader investor confidence in the company's ability to navigate regulatory changes while maintaining profit margins. The healthcare sector as a whole showed muted gains, but UnitedHealth's performance outpaced peers due to its diversified portfolio spanning insurance, pharmacy benefits, and data analytics. Institutional investors accounted for over 70% of the increased trading volume, signaling long-term positioning rather than short-term speculation.

Market participants observed that the price action validated technical indicators showing oversold conditions in early August. The stock's rally coincided with a retest of key support levels established during the previous quarter's consolidation phase. While short-term volatility remains, the sustained institutional demand suggests a shift in market sentiment toward defensive assets in the current economic climate.

The backtested trading strategy of purchasing the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding for one day from 2022 to present showed 0.98% average daily returns. Over the full period, the strategy generated cumulative returns of 37.61%, demonstrating consistent but conservative performance. These results highlight the effectiveness of volume-based screening in capturing market momentum while maintaining risk discipline.