Business students navigate market ‘roller coaster’ to secure positive returns

Students in Money and Banking and Global Trade and Finance classes at the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business recently wrapped up a semester-long stock market simulation. They managed to generate positive returns despite significant market fluctuations.

From Jan. 5 to April 16, the U.S. stock market moved through a cycle of early gains, a brief correction and a strong rebound. While January saw growth driven by AI-tech enthusiasm and corporate earnings, the market weakened in March as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher and raised inflation concerns, prompting a risk-off sentiment. However, by mid-April, the market rebounded strongly, rewarding students who maintained disciplined investment strategies.

Using Stock-Trak trading room platform via HowTheMarketWorks.com, students managed virtual portfolios using real time data. Stock-Trak is a premier educational tool utilized by 80% of the top business schools globally. To succeed, students were required to go beyond simple "buy and hold" strategies, engaging in active trading, including short selling and short covering. They utilized a variety of resources including class lectures, textbook materials, Wall Street Survivor's courses, investing ideas, videos, and a wide array of print and online sources to prepare and submit their periodic investment portfolio reports online.

In addition to the simulation, students completed the FINRA Investor Education Foundation Financial Literacy Quiz. Campbell University students notably achieved an average score that exceeded both the national and North Carolina state averages.

The Stock Market Game is among one of many opportunities afforded to our students to enhance their financial literacy," said Dr. Shahriar Mostashari, Associate Dean for External Relations. "Making thoughtful and informed investment decisions is key to their financial well-being in the future."

According to School of Business Dean Kevin O'Mara, financial literacy is essential for personal and professional success.

"People often shy away from getting involved with finances due to a lack of confidence or knowledge," he said. "Simulations like the one used in Dr. Mostashari's course provide low-risk, hands-on experience that improves financial knowledge, decision-making skills, and confidence in investing."

Top Performers

• 1st Place: Jonathan Hill ($110,683.82 |10.68% Return) A senior from Trinity, NC, graduating with both BBA and MBA in December, Jonathan attributed his win to a strict diversification strategy. He will intern at Brown Brothers Harriman in Charlotte this summer.

• 2nd Place: Jackson Greene ($109,412.07 | 9.41% Return) A senior from Marston, NC, Jackson focused on high-volatility timing. His primary gains came from the USO oil fund, a strategic move that protected his portfolio during the Iranian conflict. He plans to enter the 4+1 program and work in real estate held in trust in the future.

• 3^rd Place: Janjay Gardea ($107,691.45 | 7.69% Return) A 4+1 senior double majoring in International Business and Management from Greensboro, NC, Janjay used trend analysis to pick winners like Hershey, Netflix, and Disney. She noted the experience was vital in building her market confidence. Janjay plans to complete her master's degree and work in the talent development side of HR.
• 4^th Place: James Durrant ($ 106,896.47 | 6.90% Return) A senior from Sanford, NC, James cited Intel as his top performer. He also shared a valuable lesson learned from a loss in Campbell Soup: the importance of objective research over sentimental "joke" investing.
• 5^th Place: Wil Blackburn ($106,674.26 | 6.67% Return) An Economics Pre-Law major from Winston-Salem, NC, Wil utilized ETFs to lower risk across various industries. He plans to intern with First Citizens in Raleigh this summer. He will be graduating in December and considering law school in the future.