YPF Plummets 15.34% Amid $260M Surge in Volume Ranks 442nd in Market Activity as Asset Divestment Sparks Investor Jitters

On September 8, 2025, , , . The stock's sharp drop followed a regulatory filing revealing a potential divestment of key oil and gas assets in northern Argentina, which triggered investor uncertainty amid concerns over operational scale and revenue stability. Analysts noted the move could reshape the company's long-term strategy but emphasized short-term volatility remains tied to asset valuation clarity.

Additional pressure emerged from a technical analysis report highlighting oversold conditions and bearish momentum indicators, which amplified profit-taking by algorithmic traders. The lack of immediate catalysts for a rebound—such as new exploration licenses or production guidance—further constrained market optimism. Institutional investors, meanwhile, have reduced exposure to the stock in recent weeks, according to third-party fund flow data, reflecting broader caution in the energy sector amid fluctuating commodity prices.

To run this test rigorously I need a few clarifications: 1. Trading universe • U.S. listed common stocks / ADRs only (about 4 000 names), or a different market? 2. Ranking rule • Use the PRIOR-day dollar volume to pick the 500 names for next day’s trade (standard), or another definition? 3. Execution prices • Enter at next day’s open and exit at that same day’s close (1-day holding period), or open-to-open / close-to-close? 4. Position sizing • Equal-weight among the 500 positions (default), or proportional to volume / market-cap? 5. Frictional costs • Ignore transaction costs (default) or include a per-trade commission/slippage assumption? If the default choices above are acceptable I can proceed automatically; otherwise please let me know your preferences so I can tailor the back-test parameters.