On this episode, Phil and Danielle discuss the risks and temptations of penny stocks, including their low cost and potential for high returns. They touch on topics like eye surgery complications, parenting challenges, the trading of penny stocks on the pink sheets, and the rise and fall of Belfort. The speakers also explore the appeal and risks of penny stock investing, emphasizing the importance of caution and thorough research.
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Quick takeaways
Penny stocks carry significant risks and are often manipulated due to light regulation, making them a warning sign for value investors.
Penny stocks are thinly traded and illiquid, creating a breeding ground for manipulation and volatility.
Deep dives
The Dark Side of Penny Stocks
Penny stocks, defined as stocks that sell for under a dollar, were once traded on the pink sheets due to small sales volume and high commissions. Pink sheet stocks were lightly regulated, making them easy targets for manipulation and scams. The lack of liquidity and information creates high volatility, allowing market makers to drive up prices before unloading and causing the price to crash. Jordan Belfort's story in 'Wolf of Wall Street' portrays the manipulation of penny stocks. The SEC only loosely regulates the microcap market, which makes it risky for investors.
The Illiquid and Manipulative Nature of Penny Stocks
Penny stocks, being thinly traded and illiquid, create a breeding ground for manipulation and volatility. Market makers take advantage of the lack of liquidity by buying up shares and driving up prices before selling to unsuspecting investors. The lack of regulations in the pink sheets allows for widespread fraud. The brokers operating in the penny stock market often take significant commissions from trades, leaving investors with less profit when liquidating their positions. The FBI and SEC have struggled to combat the scams and manipulation in the penny stock market.
Cautionary Factors for Penny Stock Investors
Investors considering penny stocks should be aware of the lack of public disclosure, making it harder to assess the company's financial health. The risk of scams and fraudulent practices is high, as seen in the movie 'Wolf of Wall Street'. Careful examination of the management team is crucial in identifying potential scams. While it's true that some long-term investors have found success with penny stocks, they remain a high-risk investment and require a certain skill set for navigating the market.
Penny stocks can seem tempting to some investors due to their low cost and potential for quick gains, but they carry significant risks and are often manipulated due to the light regulation they see from the FCC.
It’s hard to argue that a low cost of entry and the potential for high returns aren’t tempting, but the illiquidity of penny stocks and their heightened potential for fraud tend to be warning signs for value investors.
On this episode, Phil and Danielle share their opinions and experiences related to the penny stocks side of their investing journeys.
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