<MM's can't interfere with the public action>
Don't underestimate the MM's.
In the pre-market, MM's have no obligation to buy... if they judge the mentality of the crowd to be positive, they can easily boost the bid and knock off the the low liquidity "ask" on the ECN's. As always, this is dependent on whether they believe such action will push sufficient buyers into their inflated offers. However, as the public has gained increased access to pre-market trading, this tactic has become less effective than it once was... but it still exists... particularly with stock splits and other seemingly positive news.
During market hours, certain MM's have large blocks to buy or unload. Certainly, they want the best price possible, so it is not unusual for a MM to bid large blocks in order to precipitate buying and push the price up into the shares he wants to sell, or vice versa. The net effect of this throughout the day will not go against public sentiment, but it can affect that sentiment in an indecisive market.
Of course, with decisive and determined public action, MM's generally will not, and cannot, step in the way. Their job is to exaggerate moves in their favor... not to step in the path of ruin.
Bottom line... MM's can affect short term price movement... but they cannot stop the net result of a trend.
Mike |
