PulteGroup Surges 2.02% on $0.22B Volume as Homebuilders Attract Speculative Interest, Ranks 484th in Market Activity

PulteGroup (PHM) rose 2.02% on October 3, 2025, with a trading volume of $0.22 billion, ranking 484th in market activity that day. The stock’s movement reflects renewed investor interest in homebuilders amid evolving market conditions. Recent regulatory updates and sector-specific dynamics have positioned the company as a focal point for traders monitoring volume-driven strategies.

Analysts noted that the company’s performance aligns with broader industry trends, as shifting interest rates and housing demand patterns create volatility in construction and real estate stocks. While no direct earnings reports or executive announcements were cited, the stock’s inclusion in high-volume trading lists suggests increased speculative activity. Market participants are closely watching whether this momentum will persist as macroeconomic indicators stabilize.

To run this back-test accurately I need to confirm a few practical details: 1. Market universe • Do you want to use all U.S.-listed common stocks (NYSE + NASDAQ + AMEX) or another universe? • ADRs, ETFs, and penny stocks (price < $1) – include or exclude? 2. Re-balancing rule (buy top-500 by volume every day) • Enter at the close, exit all positions at the next day’s close, then repick a fresh top-500 – correct? 3. Position sizing • Equal-weight each name every day (i.e., 1/500 of capital per stock), or cap weights somehow? 4. Trading frictions • Commissions/slippage ignored, or would you like me to include, for example, 5 bp round-trip? 5. Benchmark • Any benchmark you’d like the performance compared against (e.g., S&P 500)? Once I have these details I can proceed with the back-test.