The "marketmakers" don't like sudden movements in either direction as they make their profits buying low and selling higher, but not too much lower or too much higher, repeating this process ad infinitum! (Buying the bid and selling at the ask providing a liquid market is their defined role!)

They, in fact, are day traders extraordinaire.

In Canada, I'm not aware of any rules built ino the system to protect Joe invester, whereas, in some US markets (NY is one) Joe is given precidence over the "specialists" (very similar to marketmakers although governed by different rules!) when entering a trade.

Marketmaking is fraught with risk consequently they must be paid for their efforts (called Capitalism) providing a "liquid" market. (They place their bids and offers as a consequence of "educated" expectations.)

"Stink" bids and offers are occassionaly filled as a consequence!

"Beating" their spread over time makes for successful "daytrading!" Not unlike Vegas, the House holds a substantial advantage in the "short term," at least! So move carefully!

Where Dale enters this equation is creating the "Infatuation" - - - or not! The "story" will ultimately initiate buying (Frenzied is the wish of SHs!) which "forces" the marketmaker to move up their asks! Or inverseley, move down their bids.

Friday enabled a daytrader to sell at $3.65 and buy back at $3.52, both opps created by MMs! (I did just that, although my repurchase was a little above the $3.52! Singles win more games than a scattered home-run!)

I like this Yogiism, "You can't do that, although sometimes it turns out differently!"

$3.65 again Monday would be sweet!

RUF