For the first time in the fifteen year history of the competition, the 2007-8 ifs Student Investor Challenge sponsored by Deutsche Bank and Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust has attracted more than 30,000 teenagers from across the UK.
The ifs Challenge, operated by financial education charity the ifs School of Finance, officially commenced today. The competition equips thousands of teenagers with the knowledge and capability to manage their own finances, both now and in the future, by providing a practical insight into stock markets, savings and investments.
The challenge involves students investing a fantasy £100,000 in the stock market over a three month period, followed by regional finals involving a business quiz and a national final where the top 8 teams in the country compete for an all expenses paid trip to New York and £2,000 for their school.
Rod McKee, Head of Financial Capability at the ifs School of Finance, said:
“The 2006-7 Challenge attracted well over 28,000 students but to now exceed 30,000 for the first time in our history shows the growing appeal to teenagers of learning about business and finance.
It’s a particularly interesting time for students to be learning about investing in the stock market, with the FTSE 100 experiencing considerable turbulence as a result of the global credit crunch.
In addition to learning about investments, the ifs Challenge develops team working, IT and research skills. Later stages of the challenge also help to develop general financial awareness and skills in presenting.”
Further information can be found at: www.studentinvestor.org
