The definition of penny stocks, also known as micro-cap stocks, varies. A stock is termed as a penny stock based upon its market capitalization and share price. According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a stock is termed as penny stock if its share price is below $5. However, many in the investor community believe that a penny stock is one with the share price of $1 or less. As junk bonds are compared to investment grade bonds in fixed income market, penny stocks are compared with blue chip stocks in stock markets. Trading in penny stocks are far more riskier and speculative than trading in blue-chip or other mid-cap or large-cap stocks. Several investors believe that investing in penny stocks is like gambling, that one has to be prepared for losing money. Moreover trading penny stocks can be more expensive. Penny stocks are usually traded in the Over-the-Counter exchange or on the pink sheets.

If you intend to invest in penny stocks you should know the differences between penny stocks and other stocks, such as blue chips and mid-caps. While the performance of mid-cap and large-cap stocks is driven primarily by fundamentals, several analysts believe that the performance of penny stocks is driven primarily by investor speculations. If you analyze the fundamentals of 100 penny stocks, perhaps only two or three would be generating superior returns.

Despite the issues associated with penny stocks, several investors intend to invest in penny stocks, since they believe many of today