Archer's 5.69% Drop Drags $270M Volume to 382nd in Market Activity as eVTOL Progress Nears 2025 Target

Archer Aviation (ACHR) closed August 19, 2025, with a 5.69% decline, trading at a volume of $270 million, ranking 382nd in market activity for the day. The stock's performance followed key developments in its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) program, which could influence investor sentiment ahead of its 2025 commercialization target.

The company's Midnight aircraft achieved its longest piloted flight to date, covering 55 miles in 31 minutes at speeds exceeding 126 mph. This test, conducted at its Salinas, California, site, demonstrated progress in range and speed, critical metrics for urban air mobility applications. United Airlines' CFO Mike Leskinen attended the event, underscoring the airline's continued partnership and prior investment in Archer. United had secured an agreement to integrate the Midnight aircraft into its fleet post-regulatory approval.

Archer's advancements align with broader eVTOL industry momentum, as competitors like Joby Aviation also conduct operational tests. The company's focus on short urban routes—such as airport-to-downtown trips—highlights its strategy to address practical use cases requiring reliable, high-speed performance. While regulatory hurdles remain, each technical milestone reinforces the feasibility of its commercial timeline.

The 1-day return of 0.98% for a strategy buying top-volume stocks from 2022 to 2025 reflects moderate short-term momentum, with a cumulative 31.52% total return over 365 days. This underscores the inherent volatility in high-volume trading approaches amid market fluctuations.