Looking For A Basic Penny Stock Guide?

Beginners in the world of trading and investing in the stock market must read and understand this penny stock guide for many reasons. For one thing, stock investing in itself is a risky venture since the stock market is influenced by factors beyond anybody's control, not even by the great Warren Buffett. You can make good profits but only if you know how to play the game.

For another thing, penny stocks are one of the riskiest forms of investments possible in the modern market. Microcap shares are issued by companies in some sort of difficulty including organizational, financial and legal issues. As such, these companies can go under at any moment and there goes your money down the drain.

But before you put too much stock in a penny stock guide by treating it like a bible of trading, keep in mind that it is only what it is - a guide. You can follow the tips, adopt the strategies and refer to the stock recommendations but the ultimate decision rests in your hands, so to speak. Be extremely careful with your decisions as it is your money, your portfolio and maybe even your life at stake.

Let's start with the definition of penny stocks, which are also called micro or nano shares. It should be emphasized that there are no set definitions for penny stocks but the general consensus revolves around the following criteria:

Price per share at the time of trade is less than $1 although $5 is also the norm
• Venues for trading include the Nasdaq SmallCap Market and Amex as well as OTC-BB and Pink Sheets (Avoid the Pink Sheets, if possible. Go for Nasdaq and Amex instead for their great reliability in featuring good prospects)
Market capitalization is US$25 to US$50 million only (Companies with lesser capitalization do not qualify for listings in the Big Boards like the New York Stock Exchange)

Furthermore, a good penny stock guide will discuss the techniques, technologies and methodologies for making profitable trades on microcap shares. Of course, you should expect generalized discussions on the topics as it will be impractical to discuss in detail the ins and outs of specific industries. The good news is that you can actually apply the recommended techniques, technologies and methodologies for all industries, thus, allowing for a diversified penny stock portfolio.

The following facts of life, so to speak, are the most commonly discussed topics in a basic penny stock guide. Take note that fundamental and technical analysis is a lengthy topic that requires an entire book by itself.

Beware of pump and dump schemes. Basically, it involves the company and its minions pumping up the value of the microcap shares at first. When gullible traders have invested their money on the stocks, the minions will then sell the stocks for a large profit while the bubble bursts on the hapless traders.
Penny stock companies may not be subject to the strict financial reporting requirements enforced by the SEC. Financial reports are then not as reliable as the issuing companies will make you believe. You may even be investing in a bankrupt company!

Fortunately, once you are done reading a good guide to penny stock investing, you should be able to successfully manage your risks. And that is what good trading is all about.