Regional Schools Investment Competition
I. Introduction
The Regional Schools Investment Competition is a dynamic learning experience for high school and first-year college students as future investors. The investment game introduces the students to investing and more specifically to investing via the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange. The initiative provides the opportunity for students to experience securities market activity firsthand. Participants will have the opportunity to test their knowledge while gaining useful investing insights and skills.
The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) and its partners, consisting of six licensed member broker dealers (Grenada Co-operative Bank Ltd, Bank of Nevis, Bank of Saint Lucia, First Citizens Investment Services Ltd, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, and Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines), along with the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC), are dedicated to promoting education and awareness among young individuals. The aim is to encourage and guide young investors in contributing to the growth and development of the money and capital markets in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.
II. Competition Objectives
- To excite and inspire young people across the ECCU to learn more about investing as an avenue for wealth creation and to become active market participants in the future.
- To spread awareness to the youth of the existence of the ECSE, the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market (ECSM), the Regional Government Securities Market (RGSM), the ECSRC and the ECSE licensed member broker dealers.
- To introduce and educate the youth population about Investing in Securities and the process of purchasing and selling securities on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market.
III. Eligible Participants
- 3rd form through 5th form (grades 9-11) high school students and 1st year 6th form/college students in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (i.e., Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis,
St. Vincent and the Grenadines). - A maximum of ONE group per school. The number of students per group can range from 4 to 6 students competing in the Investment Game. For countries with only one school participating, the school may opt either to i) forego the Intra-Country stage and enter directly into the regional stage of the competition; or ii) enter up to three groups from that school in the Intra-Country portion of the competition.
Please note that:
- The school administration would determine the composition of the competing group(s) and which teacher(s) will be assigned to lead the competing group(s). There should be a minimum of one teacher assigned to assist each competing group.
- Teams are encouraged to create their own unique group names and have fun. They are to be creative and use good judgment. Team names may not contain or connote any offensive, vulgar or inappropriate language or idea.
IV. Format of Competition
- The competition will be administered in two parts:
- 1ST Phase – Intra-Country Competition:
- The competing school groups will compete among the groups in their respective country and the top performer in each country will be adjudged the Intra-Country winner to represent their country in the Regional Phase of the Competition.
- 2nd Phase – Regional Competition:
- The eight winners of the Intra-Country phase of the competition will move on to compete to vie for the top prize of Regional Investment Champion.
- 1ST Phase – Intra-Country Competition:
V. Competition Timeline
- Click here to view the full timetable of events
VI. Competition (Performance) Evaluation – To Determine winning group/school.
Phase 1: Intra-Country Investment Competition:
- 60% weighting – portfolio valuation
- The cash on hand + the value of the securities in the portfolio at the end of the trading period.
- 40% weighting – Evaluation of Trading Notes. Each group will need to prepare a note for each purchase or sell order. The note should specify the rationale/investment strategy for the purchase/sales orders.
The group in each of the eight ECCU member countries with the highest overall score will be adjudged the winner for that country. The top performing group per country will move on to participate in the Regional Competition.
Phase 2: Regional Investment Competition:
- 60% weighting – portfolio valuation
- The cash on hand + the value of the securities in the portfolio at the end of the trading period.
- 40% weighting – investment competition presentation (to be recorded and submitted in mp4 format by each competing group).
The Presentation should include the following:
- Team Introductions
- How did you decide on what to buy, and how much to buy?
- Include all factors that impacted your decisions.
- How did you decide on what to sell, and how much to sell?
- Include all factors that impacted your decisions.
- What would you have done differently if you were to be afforded the opportunity to compete again?
- What did you learn from participating in the Investment Challenge?
The group with the highest overall score will be declared the winner.
NOTE: The evaluation criteria will be provided to the Competing groups prior to the competition.
VII. Prize Giving
- Intra-Country Winners will receive:
- A plaque in recognition of their win, to showcase at their respective schools.
- Participating students and their teacher guide(s) would receive certificates of achievement and a gift bag.
- Overall Regional Competition Winner will receive:
- Monetary prize of EC$5,000 for the school.
- A cash prize of EC$150.00 for each of the students in the group.
- A certificate of achievement for each of the student members and a certificate of recognition for the role the teacher(s) played in assisting the students.
- A Rotational Champion Trophy.
View Interview on the Regional Schools Investment Competition