In The Pink

What Is in the Pink?

In the pink is an informal expression meaning the peak of health or an optimal state. It is often used to describe a situation in which an investor or an economy is in a good financial position. Many people are familiar with this phrase being used in conversations that have nothing to do with money or financial instruments. More generally, it is often used to convey the idea that someone or something is in the best of health or condition.

Understanding in the Pink

In the pink is a phrase that often indicates a positive outlook or signifies a sense that there is a good reason to be optimistic. Although unconfirmed, many people speculate that pink was chosen as it is often used as a symbol of health as observed in the cheeks of a healthy person. When used in a financial context, this phrase indicates a positive, attractive position or value state. Blue-chip stocks and healthy economies are examples of in-the-pink (or rosy) financial positions. This term is frequently used when economic conditions are showing strong signs of improvement or when the economy is moving quickly into a state of recovery. This, in turn, will often give a boost to blue-chip companies.

Financial analysts and experts often share observations about which stocks are trending upwardly and showing positive growth, and thus are deemed to be in the pink. As a result, savvy observers capitalize on this assessment by moving on these stocks while profitable deals exist.

In the Pink vs Pink Sheets

The use of the word “pink” may cause some confusion as it may lead to assumptions involving another monetary concept using the same color. In the pink is unrelated to "pink sheets,” which are daily publications that were originally produced by the National Quotation Bureau. These reports list bid and ask prices of over-the-counter (OTC) stocks. The reports got their name because they were originally printed on pink-shaded paper. This financial market is now known as the OTC Markets Group. When a trader is buying and selling in the unregulated OTC market, they are sometimes said to be trading “in the pink.”

Special Considerations

The origin of the phrase "in the pink" dates back to the late 1500s when a version of the saying appeared in Shakespeare’s classic, "Romeo and Juliet". In Shakespeare’s usage, though, it meant an outstanding example, with no connotation of health or vitality. It has also been linked to British fox hunting, where tradition dictated that riders who exhibited superior skills and an impressive level of service earned the privilege of wearing a scarlet jacket, which was considered a prestigious honor.