PCHS Civics Team Wins Stock Market Game

The SIFMA Foundations' Stock Market Game™ (SMG) gives students the chance to invest a hypothetical $100,000 in an on-line portfolio. They think they're playing a game, but you know they're learning economic and financial concepts they'll use for the rest of their lives. When you hear high school students discussing investments in the halls, you’re know they’re learning something important to their financial future.
In the recent Stock Market Game which covered ten weeks and involved 10 teams from around WV, Pocahontas Team WV_68_ZZ79 with investors Gabe Beck and Sam Rose came in first in the game with total equity of $125,021.91 and 16.07% return above the S & P 500 Growth. Only two other teams in the state had positive growth above the S & P 500 Growth index.

Two other Pocahontas County teams placed in the top ten against teams from West Virginia University, Princeton High School, and Liberty High School. Other teams participating in the game were from Tygarts Valley High School and Bluefield High School. Pocahontas County had 11 teams in the spring game with the following rankings:

Team WV_68_ZZ75 placed 6 with equity value of $106,941.88

Team WV _68_ZZ76 placed 10 with equity value of  $104,258.04

Team WV_68_ZZ70 placed 12 with equity value of $103,871.80

Team WV_68_ZZ78 placed 17 with equity value of $101,470.53

Team WV_68_ZZ71 placed 19 with equity value of $101,255.05

Team WV_68_ZZ73 placed 28 with equity value of $99,850.00

Team WV_68_ZZ74 placed 33 with equity value of $99,046.17

Team WV_68_ZZ72 placed 39 with equity value of $96,937.18

Team WV_68_ZZ81 placed 41 with equity value of $96,828.82

Team WV_68_ZZ80 placed 43 with equity value of $96,616.43

Team WV_68_ZZ77 placed 38 with equity value of $91,343.11

Considering that the teams had invested their money for 10 weeks, any group who had earnings over 100,000  did exceptionally well. The stock market would likely have made money for all the teams if the portfolios existed for the long term as the stock market inevitably earns money on a 13 to 16 year cycle. Considering that the economy has been in rebuilding mode since March of 2008, all these teams are commended for the portfolios they established and monitored in a highly volatile market.

Thanks to Sam and Gabe the class will enjoy a $100.00 pizza party on May 13 compliments of the SIFMA Foundation.