large-scale operators; big traders; major players
Refers to influential institutional investors, large securities firms, or major market participants in financial contexts. Often used in stock market or commodity trading discussions.
The market rose today on buying by large-scale operators.
The moves of major players influence the decisions of individual investors.
仕手筋 refers to speculative operators or market manipulators, often with a negative connotation, whereas 大手筋 is neutral and simply indicates large-scale, legitimate participants.
Compound of 大手 (おおて, 'large-scale, major') and 筋 (すじ, 'line, source, channel'). The term likely originated in financial markets to denote influential trading entities.