Penny stocks are high-risk investments as they are highly speculative and can be highly volatile. They are typically issued by companies with small market capitalizations, and they trade at a low price per share, usually under $5. Because of this, they are often overlooked by institutional investors and analysts, leaving them more susceptible to manipulation and fraud. Additionally, the lack of liquidity in penny stocks can make it difficult for investors to buy or sell shares, which can lead to large price swings. Furthermore, many penny stock companies are start-ups or have limited operations and revenues, which makes them more vulnerable to financial troubles or business failure. Therefore, investors should be aware of the risks and do their due diligence before investing in penny stocks.

Penny stocks, typically defined as shares trading for less than $5, carry significant risks. These stocks are often from smaller companies with limited financial history, making them more volatile and speculative. Liquidity risk is prominent, as low trading volumes can lead to difficulties in buying or selling shares without impacting the price. Information risk is high because these companies may not be required to disclose as much information as larger firms, leading to less transparency. There's also a higher likelihood of fraud and manipulation, such as pump-and-dump schemes, where the price is artificially inflated and then sold off. Investors in penny stocks face the potential for substantial losses due to these factors.