Sphere 3D Corp (ANY)

[My401K]

Gearz, I have a theory, but can't support it.

This stock is ripe for manipulation by some bottom-feeder players. The low market cap makes it vulnerable to moves with a relatively small impetus. If it's been dormant and sagging for a while, for example, I'd consider putting in a market order for 10,000 shares. I'd not be putting myself at a great deal at risk, but it will move the share price way up. There is a very good chance that the sudden bump will catch the attention of day traders, who will then attempt to buy on the upswing and continue to drive it up. (Many will believe there's a rumor of something big about to happen). I could then feed my shares back slowly, and I may have made myself a few thousand bucks for the day, without a lot of risk.

If the stock were substantial, had a legit P/E and a well-understood market role, this strategy would never work.

A few years back I put in a market order for 1000 shares, and was not only amazed how much the price surged. I thought I was anticipating PT Barnum's pre-earnings hype, but sold out for an $800 profit anyway, and learned two lessons: 1) it wasn't fun, and 2) I have better, less-risky ways to make $800.