Supply/demand calculation

How are the global supply and demand for a product calculated? I'm assuming it's not simply the total of outstanding order volume, since that would allow for price manipulation by e.g. placing large buy orders at unrealistically low prices to artificially boost demand.

On a related note: is it possible to see the outstanding orders? (globally, not just your own). Without that I don't see how it's possible to calculate a trade strategy that will ensure orders are filled with reasonable price/time. Surely finding one that works can't be a case of trial and error?

This happened before when players bought a lot of products to create shortage. However, products will be backed to the market. Well! the GM knows how to deal with this problem.

It actually really is just the total volume of orders. And yes, that means price manipulation is possible, and it actually happens.