anomalous values

The chart shows a marked reduction in daily volume traded since the start of the year. There is still some selling going on, causing the drop in price - but it's low. The major factor is that there are few buyers.
There's a slight indication that this may be beginning to change today, but not definite.
Any explanations for this? It can't be distrust, or the selling pressure would be much higher. Do major institutions feel they have their fill and are simply waiting? If so, just one bit of solid news (oh for a profit forecast!) would cause a rapid turnaround.