BAL - Chart, page-973

Yes I was also expecting a run to 10.50 and a close in 10.30 range. But it started the run a bit late, and they knocked it down a bit in the last minute or so. Not sure if it was day traders or shorts covering. Usually, the closing SP (which is rigged anyway) is almost equal to the last trade. I noticed whenever shorts are covering in rush (like today), they knock down the price in the last few seconds (minimal cost, and with very few shares). I believe they bank on the volume during the rigged close to squeeze a few more cents when buying back.