The Stock Market Game is an online simulation of the global capital markets and helps students develop skills in economics, investing and personal finance. This lesser-known competitive event allows members to qualify for ICDC and compete for coveted DECA glass. If you are curious about competing in this event, read on to find out more!
What is it?
The DECA Stock Market Game is an online competitive event that challenges you with developing and managing a portfolio of stocks, bonds and mutual funds. During the competition, you will develop investment strategies based on expectations of growth, diversification and stability. You will also attempt to avoid the pitfalls of market decline, mergers and overextension. The competition allows members to manage all aspects of their simulated $100,000 portfolio such as asset selection, buying, and selling. Additionally, investments within the simulation are reflective of the state of the actual stock market, meaning that the competition tests members’ knowledge of current economic trends and investment strategies.
If your team’s investment portfolio is one of the top valued portfolios by the end of the competition, then you are provided the opportunity to present at ICDC and compete for DECA glass. In this phase of the competition, your team is tasked with writing a paper and presenting the strategies which guided your investment decisions in the simulation phase. After judging, the top teams will be recognized on stage and receive awards.
Competition Structure
The DECA Stock Market Game allows competitors to register in teams of one to three participants. The competition begins in early September and continues until mid-December. During that time, teams are ranked based on their percentage growth above or below the value of the S&P 500. Teams must also ensure their portfolio meets specific minimum investment requirements for the competition. After the simulation phase closes, the top twenty-five teams in each region (Central, North Atlantic, Southern and Western) are invited to compete during ICDC.
At the international level of the competition, you are then tasked with preparing a written report and oral presentation describing your investment portfolio and the strategies you used to achieve tremendous growth. The written report is limited to a maximum of 10 pages and should include an executive summary, portfolio analysis, explanation of rationale and conclusions from your trading experience. The oral presentation is limited to a maximum of 15 minutes including questions and will be evaluated on the presentation of the portfolio, defense of the investment project and effectiveness of public speaking and presentation skills. During ICDC, the top ten teams will be recognized with medallions and the top three teams are awarded DECA glass.
How to Get Started
If you are interested in competing in this event, talk with your advisor as they must register you to participate. Registration information and the event timeline can be found at deca.smgww.org. Best of luck!
