Calm waters present 3 heavy volume contenders in stocks

The following energy stocks (HollyFrontier Corp, Valvoline Inc., Cabot Oil & Gas Corp) are reaching higher-than-usual volumes.

Here's the most recent update: Markets are mixed with Dow Jones up 0.53%, trading at 32,834. Nasdaq trades at 11,361 after losing 0.16%.

Why trading volume matters?

Trading volume is simply the total number of shares traded including both buy and sell orders. If a stock has appreciated on high volume, it is more likely to be a sustained move compared to an appreciation with low volume. Typically, high volume trading sessions are considered significant occurrences and closely watched by traders.

While trading was mostly flat yesterday, some energy stocks are at high volumes. Check them out.

HollyFrontier | 4.78 million traded volume so far today exceeding the daily average by 119%

After closing the previous trading day at $35.68, HollyFrontier Corp is up to $36.39, which makes for a move of 2%/71 cents today.

A blockbuster trading session for HollyFrontier, eclipsing its average daily volume by 119% and recording 4.78 million.

Valvoline | trading volume jumps 176% in busy day so far

Valvoline is having an eventful day so far, currently at 2.53 million and outpacing its average daily volume by 176%.

Having set a significant high of $36.66 30 days ago, the chemical manufacturing company is trading 6.25% lower. On a negative trend for around 30 days.

Valvoline discloses 12.5 cents per share dividend to be paid on Thursday, December 15th

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp | 18.76 million traded volume so far today exceeding the daily average by 219%

A hectic day for Cabot Oil & Gas Corp, surpassing its average daily volume by 219% to reach 18.76 million.

— Average trading volume refers to a 21-day rolling average.