First Republic Bank, Western Alliance Bancorporation, PacWest Bancorp and others reached higher-than-usual trading volumes.

A recap of Friday's session: Leading equity indices in the US declined as S&P 500 closed at 3,861.59, a 1.45% change. Nasdaq lost 1.76% and ended the session at 11,139.

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.

Though trading was down Friday, some stocks reached high volumes. Here is an update.

First Republic Bank | 1,148% higher than rolling average

First Republic Bank outpaced its average daily trading volume (4.46 million) with 51.16 million shares traded Friday.

Having set a significant low of $81.76 2 days ago, the wealth management company is trading 17.43% higher. Pointing downwards for around a month.

First Republic Bank discloses 27 cents per share dividend to be paid on Thursday, February 9th

Western Alliance Bancorporation | 1,240% higher than rolling average

Western Alliance Bancorporation had a compelling day Friday, with 24.59 million shares traded helping the company surpass its average daily volume by 1,240%.

2 days ago, the US bank fell to a low of $49.34 but has since recovered 26.39%. Trending downwards for around a month.

Western Alliance Bancorporation discloses 36 cents per share dividend to be paid on Friday, March 3rd

PacWest Bancorp | 1,033% above rolling average

With 36.86 million shares traded Friday, PacWest Bancorp beat its daily average by 1,033% to cap off a frenetic trading day.

After hitting an important low of $12.35 approximately 2 days ago, the bank holding company has bounced back 61.05% since. On a negative trend for around a month.

PacWest Bancorp discloses 25 cents per share dividend to be paid on Tuesday, February 28th

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