Exploring the rise of penny stocks fueled by retail investors in 2021, covered including the surge in trading volume and accessibility through mainstream brokers, the risky reputation of penny stock trading, share price dilution, and the potential future regulations for trading penny stocks.
Penny stocks are attracting retail investors for quick profits but carry high risks of delisting due to volatility.
Market observers note limited impact of penny stocks on broader market despite Nasdaq's scrutiny for sub-dollar stocks.
Deep dives
Penny Stocks Boom Among Retail Investors
Retail investors are fueling a surge in trading penny stocks, which are companies trading at less than a dollar per share. The number of penny stock companies on public exchanges has quadrupled in the last year. These stocks, often neglected by analysts, are attracting attention with surging trading volumes, sometimes surpassing big players like Tesla.
Risks and Challenges of Penny Stock Trading
Investing in penny stocks poses substantial risks as companies trading at sub-dollar levels may face delisting from exchanges due to volatility. Retail traders are drawn to penny stocks for their potential to make quick profits, akin to a 'meme stock' frenzy. However, the lack of market coverage and risky fluctuations make penny stocks a speculative investment.
Potential Impact and Regulation Concerns
The trading pattern of penny stocks in the market cycle intrigues observers, though their impact on the broader market remains limited. With higher interest rates affecting lending options, some penny stock companies resort to dilutive share issuances, leading to price drops. While Nasdaq faces scrutiny for listed sub-dollar stocks, regulatory changes may not be imminent unless extreme market disruptions occur.
Penny stocks are having a moment. In recent months, little-known companies with names such as Bit Brother and Phunware have been among the most traded stocks in America’s public markets, surpassing companies like Tesla and popular exchange traded funds. The FT’s US markets editor Jennifer Hughes explores why this is happening, and whether retail investors should think twice before diving in.
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We’re doing a special 2-part episode with the Unhedged podcast. One part will be in Unhedged’s feed and the other part will be right here, in Behind the Money’s feed.
We’ll be back to our regular Wednesday schedule the following week.