Manipulators use the above example of a ladder of supporting bids to absorb sell orders and serve as a cushion against any selling pressure.

FORBES: 'Da Big Kahuna' Wipes Out On Stock Manipulation Ladder

The main effect of these shareholdings now is to cushion poor managers from market pressure.

ECONOMIST: Japanese business

That added to the pressure on the Federal Reserve to loosen monetary policy in order to cushion a weakening economy (See "August Doldrums In U.S. Factories").

FORBES: Wall Street Cheers Jobs Report

But now that Carrefour's core business is under pressure, it may not be able to afford to lose the cushion of owning its own property and thus avoiding rent, says Philippe Suchet, an analyst at Exane BNP Paribas in Paris.

ECONOMIST: Business in France