[on-ramp]

stock prices are formulated only by the selling or buying of shares.

stock price is not a function of how a company is doing, their fundamentals, how the economy is doing, etc..

it's all about perception. if Greenspan scratches himself on Tues and says something negative, why do prices go down? did the economy or the fundamentals of a company change from Monday to Tuesday? i dont think so.

how about when CNBC reports "a 1/2 point percentage hike is priced into the market". what does this mean? or , "the market has over-extended technically and is due for a correction". or "there is speculation that there's a recession on the horizon, therefore weak day".

traders buy and sell shares based on speculation, fear, and outlook, causing upward or downward trends. you want to call this "investing", then fine.

after 9/11 , stock prices tumbled, why? because Wall ST. traders perceived a disaster so they got out. if noone sold, prices wouldn't fall.

traders buying and selling shares based on news stories, inside info, technicals, or speculation is casino-like.
there are only a handful of hedge fund managers that greatly influence upward or downward trends. the rest of the population that "invests" are just along for the ride. IMHO