UNLV students test financial skills in inaugural investment challenge

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) embarked on a new educational venture this semester, testing their financial instincts through a virtual stock market challenge.

The initiative, known as the President’s Investment Challenge, provided participants with $500,000 in virtual funds to invest over eight weeks.

This inaugural event saw more than 80 teams, comprising 227 students, engage in the challenge as part of the university’s mission to enhance financial literacy.

The students navigated their virtual portfolios amid a turbulent market influenced by tariffs and economic uncertainty.

Daniel Chi, chair of the Department of Finance, hosted the challenge.

He emphasized the importance of the experience, stating, “It gives students the real-life experience of investing without losing real money.” Chi added that the knowledge gained will benefit not only the students but also their families’ financial futures.

The challenge concluded with a final round involving six teams, providing students with valuable insights into the complexities of the stock market and financial management.