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Best Penny Stocks Under $2 to Buy Today

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Written by Timothy Sykes
Updated 7/17/2024 18 min read

The best penny stocks under $2 to buy today depend on today’s chart. The fact is, 99.9% of these cheap stocks will eventually be worth less than they are right now. That’s why I tell my students to build a watchlist every day.

The best traders watch more stocks than they trade. That’s essential for getting to know the charts of these stocks — these charts will give you valuable info about their future moves. If you study the patterns these stocks follow, you can find opportunities for the kind of small gains that can grow a small account fast.

Today I’ll show you how to build a watchlist for stocks under $2. Read on for the results!

Best Penny Stocks Under $2 to Buy in July 2024

The best penny stocks under $2 in July 2024 are:

This is a watchlist — not a “buy list.”

I’m sharing this so you can see my process. If you want to see more NO-COST watchlists, you can sign up for my weekly watchlist here.

What Are the Best Penny Stocks to Buy Under $2 in July 2024?

To find the best penny stocks to buy under $2 in July 2024 requires a top-level stock screener. I use the one in StocksToTrade — I helped design it, so it has all the tools and customizations I look for to create my penny stock watchlists.

Try StocksToTrade for 14 days and see how it helps your watchlist skills — only $7!

To find watch-worthy penny stocks under $2, I input the following criteria:

  • Last Price ≤ $2
  • Last Price ≥ $0.50
  • Volume ≥ 100,000

When I run this screen in July 2024 and sort by percent change, it gives me the following top results:

[[[{“widget”:”scn-wdgt-01-dev”, “params”: {“top_price”:”2″,”bottom_price”:”0.5″,”bottom_volume”:”100000″,”bottom_trades_in_a_day”:”100″}}]]]

Read on for the best penny stocks that I’m watching today!

Virpax Pharmaceuticals Inc. [NASDAQ: VRPX]

Virpax Pharmaceuticals Inc is a preclinical stage biopharmaceutical company. The company is focused on developing pharmaceutical product candidates for pain management. Its product portfolio includes Topical metered-dose spray; Liposomal in Hydrogel encapsulation; and Enkephalin Intranasal spray.

Big Lots Inc. [NYSE: BIG]

Big Lots Inc is principally engaged in operating discount retail stores. The company provides a broad range of merchandise, including food, consumables, soft home products, hard home products, furniture, electronics and accessories, and seasonal products. The company sources the merchandise from traditional and close-out channels. In addition to merchandise, the company sells gift cards, issues merchandise credits, and more. The company operates stores throughout the United States, with around one-third of its stores in California, Texas, Ohio, and Florida.

WW International Inc. [NASDAQ: WW]

WW International (Weight Watchers rebranded) is one of the largest global providers of weight loss solutions, generating $1.2 billion in 2021 revenues (good for low-single-digit percentage market share, by most estimates). The firm has expanded its purview beyond its historical dietary focus, now offering an integrated wellness solution that extends into sleep tracking, fitness, mental health, and nutrition services through its mobile application ecosystem.

Douglas Elliman Inc. [NYSE: DOUG]

Douglas Elliman Inc is a real estate company. It offers sales, rentals, and new development to mortgages and title insurance, among other services related to real estate.

LivePerson Inc. [NASDAQ: LPSN]

LivePerson Inc offers cloud-based platform solutions. It enables businesses and consumers to connect through conversational interfaces, such as in-app and mobile messaging, while leveraging bots and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to increase efficiency. The company has two reportable segments namely Business and Consumer. It generates maximum revenue from the Business segment. The company has a presence in the United Kingdom, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Western Europe.

Which Is the Cheapest High-Potential Stock to Buy Right Now?

To find the cheapest high-potential stocks, you have to study their charts.

Take a look at the 1-year chart for Clean Vision Corp. [OTCPK: CLNV]:

See how many spikes this stock had in the past year? Each one of these spikes was a trading opportunity — that’s the way I’ve made over $8,000 in total earnings trading this stock (click the link to see my individual trades).

However, that’s not a recommendation to “buy” this stock. See how it drops after every spike?

It follows my 7-step pennystocking framework perfectly. This is the chart you have to commit to memory:

How to Identify Penny Stocks Under $2

Identifying promising penny stocks under $2 involves thorough research and a strategic approach. These stocks trade on major and minor exchanges — which means that there’s a variety of opportunities out there for investors and traders.

Their low prices make them highly speculative and prone to volatility. Successful trading requires understanding the company behind the stock, market conditions, and their chart.

Key points to consider in your research include:

  • Market Cap: Look for stocks with a reasonable market cap relative to their sector.
  • Financial Health: Evaluate balance sheets, revenue, and profitability.
  • Trading Volume: Ensure sufficient liquidity.
  • News and Developments: Stay updated with recent company and industry news.
  • Analyst Opinions: Consider insights from reputable analysts.

If trading stocks under $2 is too sketchy, check out my list of stocks priced under $5. These stocks can provide a broad range of opportunities while maintaining affordability. Here’s my curated list of penny stocks under $5!

Stock Screeners and Filters

Stock screeners are invaluable tools for narrowing down penny stock choices. They allow you to filter stocks based on specific criteria such as price, volume, and market cap. Using these tools can help you find undervalued stocks that might be poised for growth.

When it comes to trading platforms, StocksToTrade is first on my list. It’s a powerful trading platform that integrates with most major brokers. I helped to design it, which means it has all the trading indicators, news sources, and stock screening capabilities that traders like me look for in a platform.

I use StocksToTrade to scan for news, tweets, earning reports, and more — all covered in its powerful news scanner. It also has a selection of add-on alerts services, so you can stay ahead of the curve.

Grab your 14-day StocksToTrade trial today!

Financial News Websites

Financial news websites are essential for up-to-date information on penny stocks. They offer insights into market trends, company developments, and expert analysis. Regularly checking these sites can help you stay informed and make more educated trading decisions.

Reputable financial news websites to follow:

  • Bloomberg: Comprehensive coverage of financial markets.
  • CNBC: Timely news and market analysis.
  • Reuters: In-depth reports and financial news.
  • MarketWatch: Focus on stock market trends and company news.

For my personal trading, I use the Breaking News Chat alerts service to find hot plays every day. The Breaking News chat room alerts me to important news articles in stocks and the overall economy, giving me a crucial trading edge.

In fact, roughly half of my recent trades have been based on Breaking News tips!

Get a 14-day trial of Breaking News Chat here — only $17!

Brokerage Platforms

Brokerage platforms play a critical role in trading penny stocks under $2. These platforms provide the necessary tools and resources to execute trades efficiently. Choosing the right broker can significantly impact your trading experience and profitability.

Criteria for selecting a suitable brokerage platform:

  • Low Fees: Minimize costs to maximize returns.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation and order execution.
  • Research Tools: Access to robust analysis and data.
  • Customer Support: Reliable assistance when needed.

Penny Stock Newsletters

Subscribing to penny stock newsletters can provide valuable insights and trading ideas. These newsletters often include stock picks, market analysis, and trading strategies from experienced traders. They can be a helpful resource for staying informed about potential gainers.

My Trading Challenge sends out a penny stock newsletter every morning, with stock picks, recent trades, and my take on the market.

Historical Price Data

Analyzing historical price data of penny stocks is crucial for identifying patterns and trends. This data helps traders understand past performance and predict future movements. By studying historical charts, you can make more informed decisions about entry and exit points.

Here’s how to interpret patterns and trends:

  • Support and Resistance Levels: Identify key price points.
  • Volume Trends: Look for changes in trading volume.
  • Moving Averages: Use averages to smooth out price fluctuations.

Don’t be too strict about the price bracket you’re screening for — check out this watchlist of stocks priced under $1. Like $2 stocks, these stocks are often on major exchanges, and can heat up when the right news hits.

Here’s my watchlist on the best penny stocks under $1!

Social Media Channels

Social media can be a valuable source of information and sentiment on penny stocks. Platforms like Twitter/X and Reddit allow traders to share ideas, news, and opinions. They’re also a nest of those vipers known as promoters.

Check out these social media platforms:

  • Twitter/X: Follow influential traders and financial news accounts.
  • Reddit: Participate in subreddits like r/pennystocks to find buzz-worthy penny stocks.
  • Profit.ly: This is where my students and I share all of our trades!

Analyst Recommendations

Analyst recommendations can significantly influence penny stocks. These professionals analyze financial data and market trends to provide their opinions on stocks’ potential. However, it’s crucial to evaluate the reliability of these recommendations.

Factors to consider when evaluating analyst recommendations:

  • Track Record: Check the analyst’s history of accurate predictions.
  • Conflict of Interest: Be aware of any potential biases.
  • Detailed Analysis: Look for thorough and well-supported opinions.

How to Trade Penny Stocks Under $2

Trading penny stocks under $2 requires a well-planned approach. Due to their high volatility and speculative nature, it’s essential to follow a structured process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Choose the Right Brokerage Account: Select a broker with low fees and good research tools.
  2. Use Reliable Trading Platforms: Ensure the platform is stable and user-friendly.
  3. Monitor Liquidity and Trading Volume: Look for stocks with high trading volumes to ensure liquidity.
  4. Utilize Order Types (Market, Limit, Stop-Loss): Use the appropriate order type for each trade.
  5. Manage Transaction Costs and Fees: Keep costs low to maximize profits.

Stocks priced under 50 cents can be even better at running — but they’ll test your discipline even more than $2 stocks! Diversifying your investments across different price ranges and industries can give you exposure to some of the best opportunities in the market. My watchlist of the best penny stocks under 50 cents has some of the penny stocks I’m watching the closest right now.

Choose the Right Brokerage Account

Selecting a suitable brokerage account is vital for trading penny stocks. Look for brokers that offer low transaction fees, robust research tools, and a user-friendly platform. A good brokerage account can enhance your trading experience and improve profitability.

Several online brokerage platforms support penny stock trading, each with its unique fee structures and restrictions:

  • I use a few different brokers, depending on what I want from them — E-Trade and Interactive Brokers are usually prominent.
  • No broker is perfect — check out this article I wrote on the best brokers for penny stock trading.
  • Fees vary for penny stock trades, from close to free for penny stocks on major exchanges at the majority of US brokers, to $6.95 per OTC transaction. I don’t mind fees — any trade you make should consider the fees and still be profitable!

Use Reliable Trading Platforms

Reliable trading platforms are essential for executing penny stock transactions efficiently. They provide the tools and data necessary for making informed decisions and managing trades effectively.

You know my pick…

Try StocksToTrade today!

Features of ideal penny stock trading platforms:

  • Real-Time Data: Access to live market data and quotes.
  • Charting Tools: Advanced charting for technical analysis.
  • Customizable Interface: Tailor the platform to your needs.
  • Mobile Compatibility: Trade on the go with mobile apps.

Monitor Liquidity and Trading Volume

Monitoring liquidity and trading volume is crucial in penny stock trading. High liquidity ensures you can buy and sell stocks easily, while trading volume indicates the level of market interest.

Here are some basic strategies for assessing and responding to changing liquidity and volume:

  • Track Daily Volume: Compare current volume to average daily volume.
  • Check Order Book Depth: Look at the order book to gauge liquidity.
  • Adjust Trading Strategy: Adapt your approach based on volume and liquidity trends.

Utilize Order Types (Market, Limit, Stop-Loss)

Using different order types is essential for effective penny stock trading. Each order type serves a specific purpose and can help manage risks and maximize returns.

Here are the ones you should know:

  • Market Orders: For immediate execution at the current price.
  • Limit Orders: To set a specific price at which you’re willing to buy or sell.
  • Stop-Loss Orders: To automatically sell a stock if it falls to a certain price, minimizing losses.

Manage Transaction Costs and Fees

Transaction costs and fees can significantly impact the profitability of penny stock trading. Keeping these costs low is essential for maximizing returns.

Tips for minimizing costs and fees:

  • Choose Low-Fee Brokers: Select brokers with competitive fee structures.
  • Avoid Frequent Trading: Limit the number of trades to reduce transaction fees — and stop yourself from overtrading while you’re at it!

What Are the Penny Stocks Under $2 with the Highest Potential?

Look up at the charts of the stocks above. Do you see any spikes in their long-term chart?

That’s a good sign.

History doesn’t repeat, it rhymes. And that’s a good thing for former runners…

Penny Stocks Under $2 FAQs

Just because a stock trades for under $2 doesn’t make it cheap. Read on for some more questions you might be asking…

Where can one find the list of companies’ penny stocks under $2?

Get a powerful stock screener like the one in StocksToTrade, and start building parameters. When I’m looking for tradable penny stocks under $2, I want their volume to be great enough for the stock to be liquid. This way I can enter and exit a position more easily.

What are high-volume penny stocks under $2?

A penny stock under $2 needs high volume for me to trade it. When I’m building my stock scan, I’ll typically look for stocks that have traded over 1 million shares so far that day.

The scanner I’m using in this article is set to look for penny stocks that have traded more than 100,000 shares. This will help you identify watch-worthy stocks — even if you’re looking in pre-market.

What are some great penny stocks under $2 for selling calls and puts?

Options are only offered on certain stocks. Many stocks under $2 won’t qualify.

What is Tim Sykes’ favorite stock under $2?

I don’t have a “favorite” stock under $2 — I think penny stocks are bad investments, and I don’t trust them at all. Trading scared has helped me make some profitable trades. One ticker that is ALWAYS on watch is Ozop Energy Solutions Inc. (OTCPK: OZSC) — I’ve made $45k over the years trading this penny stock (click the link for my individual trades).

What are the best stocks to buy under $2 that pay dividends?

Stocks that trade under $2 don’t usually pay dividends. Stocks that cost this little generally don’t have much going for them.

How do fluctuations in share price impact my penny stock positions?

Fluctuations in share price can significantly affect your penny stock positions, often leading to rapid changes in portfolio value. These stocks are highly sensitive to market news and sector trends, making it essential to monitor them closely. Proper risk management and setting stop-loss orders can help protect your money from adverse movements.

Are there affordable penny stocks in the commodities sector?

Yes, the commodities sector often has affordable penny stocks, especially in areas like lithium mining and other valuable resources. These stocks can offer significant upside potential due to increasing demand for commodities. Researching sales figures and partnerships can provide insights into their growth prospects.

What should I consider when adding new penny stocks to my portfolio?

When adding new penny stocks to your portfolio, evaluate their current share price, the sector they belong to, and their potential for growth. Look for companies with strong sales performance and promising new offerings. Stay informed through reliable publications and Wall Street analyses to identify bargains with substantial upside potential


Author card Timothy Sykes picture

Timothy Sykes

Tim Sykes is a penny stock trader and teacher who became a self-made millionaire by the age of 22 by trading $12,415 of bar mitzvah money. After becoming disenchanted with the hedge fund world, he established the Tim Sykes Trading Challenge to teach aspiring traders how to follow his trading strategies. He’s been featured in a variety of media outlets including CNN, Larry King, Steve Harvey, Forbes, Men’s Journal, and more. He’s also an active philanthropist and environmental activist, a co-founder of Karmagawa, and has donated millions of dollars to charity. Read More

* Results are not typical and will vary from person to person. Making money trading stocks takes time, dedication, and hard work. There are inherent risks involved with investing in the stock market, including the loss of your investment. Past performance in the market is not indicative of future results. Any investment is at your own risk. See Terms of Service here

The available research on day trading suggests that most active traders lose money. Fees and overtrading are major contributors to these losses.

A 2000 study called “Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors” evaluated 66,465 U.S. households that held stocks from 1991 to 1996. The households that traded most averaged an 11.4% annual return during a period where the overall market gained 17.9%. These lower returns were attributed to overconfidence.

A 2014 paper (revised 2019) titled “Learning Fast or Slow?” analyzed the complete transaction history of the Taiwan Stock Exchange between 1992 and 2006. It looked at the ongoing performance of day traders in this sample, and found that 97% of day traders can expect to lose money from trading, and more than 90% of all day trading volume can be traced to investors who predictably lose money. Additionally, it tied the behavior of gamblers and drivers who get more speeding tickets to overtrading, and cited studies showing that legalized gambling has an inverse effect on trading volume.

A 2019 research study (revised 2020) called “Day Trading for a Living?” observed 19,646 Brazilian futures contract traders who started day trading from 2013 to 2015, and recorded two years of their trading activity. The study authors found that 97% of traders with more than 300 days actively trading lost money, and only 1.1% earned more than the Brazilian minimum wage ($16 USD per day). They hypothesized that the greater returns shown in previous studies did not differentiate between frequent day traders and those who traded rarely, and that more frequent trading activity decreases the chance of profitability.

These studies show the wide variance of the available data on day trading profitability. One thing that seems clear from the research is that most day traders lose money .

Millionaire Media 66 W Flagler St. Ste. 900 Miami, FL 33130 United States (888) 878-3621 This is for information purposes only as Millionaire Media LLC nor Timothy Sykes is registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser. No information herein is intended as securities brokerage, investment, tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy, or as an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any company, security or fund. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes cannot and does not assess, verify or guarantee the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information, the suitability or profitability of any particular investment, or the potential value of any investment or informational source. The reader bears responsibility for his/her own investment research and decisions, should seek the advice of a qualified securities professional before making any investment, and investigate and fully understand any and all risks before investing. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes in no way warrants the solvency, financial condition, or investment advisability of any of the securities mentioned in communications or websites. In addition, Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this information. This information is not intended to be used as the sole basis of any investment decision, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the investment needs of any particular investor. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future returns.

Citations for Disclaimer

Barber, Brad M. and Odean, Terrance, Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors. Available at SSRN: “Day Trading for a Living?”

Barber, Brad M. and Lee, Yi-Tsung and Liu, Yu-Jane and Odean, Terrance and Zhang, Ke, Learning Fast or Slow? (May 28, 2019). Forthcoming: Review of Asset Pricing Studies, Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=2535636”

Chague, Fernando and De-Losso, Rodrigo and Giovannetti, Bruno, Day Trading for a Living? (June 11, 2020). Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=3423101”