High school students who want to learn the basics of financial investing and stock markets are being encouraged to form teams and participate in the first finance competition of its kind to be held at the University of Lethbridge.

The competition includes a month-long Investment Challenge and a half-day of live competing in the U of L’s Centre for Financial Market Research and Teaching (trading room).

“We want to give high school students an opportunity to learn about the financial market in a relaxed and supportive setting,” says Clayton Varjassy, trading room manager. “Students will learn about creating a portfolio, the importance of diversifying their holdings and making a compelling presentation.”

Before the competition begins, teams will receive a one-on-one session with an organizer to explain how the event works and to answer any questions. Teams are allowed to have one teacher advisor to consult with throughout the competition.

Teams will compete in three main categories. The Investment Challenge from April 18 to May 13 will give teams the opportunity to create a portfolio and buy and sell gold bars, treasury bills and stocks. Teams will privately present their results to a panel of judges during the Investment Challenge Presentation at the U of L on May 27. The Trading Challenge, also on May 27, will give students the chance to compete against each other in real time in two eight-minute challenges.

The top three teams will receive a trophy, with $200 going to the first place team, $100 to the second place team and $50 to the third place team.

The competition has space for 25 teams of three or four students. More information is available on the Faculty of Management websiteand teams can registeronline until March 31.