Perhaps it depends on how one defines 'manipulation' Nash.
I could model the day to day trading on the not unreasonable premise that there is/are a force/forces out there who are attempting to (perhaps almost legally) keep the NEU SP as low as possible (for obvious reasons).
Your post paints a possible background as to the reasons why it/they are able to have success in this endeavour.
Low to moderate day to day liquidity (which is the base case for NEU) allows a market maker to push the SP around, as evidenced by a rather common trading pattern exposed by examining the 3 minute volumes and price movements. Yesterday's trading was an absolute exemplar of the pattern - strongish demand then a sudden highish volume 'dump', followed by mainly miniscule 3 minute volumes for the remainder of the day, tracking the SP gradually lower. Typically the closing auctions begin with an almost immediate sizeable upwards swing which morphs into a continuing decline until the SP matches the 4 pm value. Then in the last few seconds or so drops it by another few pips.
I realise the above proves nothing, but nor does insistence that all is fair and above board and that trading in the stock is due unfettered sentiment and in no way reflects a bit of a helping hand in keeping a lid on the SP.
[I have no trouble in accepting my intetpretation, as life experience has taught me that investment $$$'s and ethics are not great bedfellows.]
Last edited by What A Gas:
Reply to @nashezz15/02/25
NEU Price at posting:
$13.11 Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held
A personalised tool to help users track selected stocks. Delivering real-time notifications on price updates, announcements, and performance stats on each to help make informed investment decisions.
(20min delay)