Ann: Trading Halt, page-108

I don't for sure.

But when they buy and sell to themselves, its to try to influence the price.

So its done in small parcels, even 1 share at a time, over periods of time, to move the course of trades. That's far from what happened here. The actual play out happened within a few minutes - hardly time to see it let alone it influence anyone.

My guess here is it was set up to shake out a lot of holders, and scoop at a low cost.

Its also possible two big players crossed swords, but I'm pretty sure they all "ensure" that doesn't happen.

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