Walmart Stock Surges 51.7% Year-to-Date Despite Ranking 63rd in Trading Volume as Liquidity-Driven Strategies Boost Returns

On August 8, 2025, Walmart (WMT) closed with a 0.59% gain, trading near its 52-week high of $105.30. The stock ranked 63rd in trading volume, with $1.29 billion in shares exchanged. The retailer’s stock has surged 51.7% year-to-date, outperforming both its retail sector peers and the S&P 500 index. Strong operational execution, resilient consumer demand, and momentum in e-commerce and high-margin segments have bolstered investor confidence despite macroeconomic headwinds.

Walmart’s technical indicators remain favorable, with the stock trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages. The company’s ability to expand market share in essential categories like groceries and health & wellness, even amid inflationary pressures, has reinforced its competitive positioning. Recent progress in e-commerce profitability, including a 22% sales growth in Q1 2026, highlights its adaptability to shifting consumer preferences. Membership revenue from Walmart+ and Sam’s Club, alongside global advertising initiatives, is further diversifying its income streams.

Despite its strong performance, Walmart faces valuation concerns. The stock trades at a forward P/E of 37.46, a premium to its industry average of 34.47. While this reflects elevated expectations, it also amplifies risks if earnings fall short. Analysts project $2.60 in earnings for the current fiscal year and $2.90 for the next, indicating moderate growth. International expansion in China, Flipkart, and Mexico, combined with disciplined capital returns, supports long-term resilience but may face challenges from rising operating costs and currency pressures.

The strategy of purchasing the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding them for one day delivered a 166.71% return from 2022 to the present, significantly outperforming the benchmark’s 29.18% gain. This highlights the role of liquidity concentration in short-term performance, particularly in volatile markets. The 137.53% excess return underscores the effectiveness of liquidity-driven strategies during periods of macroeconomic uncertainty and market turbulence.