Supply and Demand mostly, momentum, the story behind the move, pumpers, chater, etc. MM's can effect it somewhat, but if there really is a demand for a stock, they are not going to stop it. Why would they. They know darn well that if they can get a stock to run, they can sell shares at higher prices, and then cover later when they hype is gone. Same with right now,, they want it low, so they can cover any shorts, and buy up cheap shares for the next run. THen do it all over again.. LOL.. Just right now, we are in a slow time because we have no momentum, no pumpers, no hype, no story now news, for the flock to grab their attention and get them buying.. But as soon as some good news comes, things should pick up again.