Bull market for ISB investment team

By Nick Yates, ISB Communications

A team from the International School of Beijing (ISB) is enjoying rich success in a prestigious competition that tasks them with making gains in a simulated stock market.

For the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, students must examine a client profile and work collaboratively to meet that client’s short- and long-term investment goals as they try to win his or her business. Equipped with a simulator allowing them to buy and sell stocks and guided by an adult supervisor, Bill D, Andy X, Centauri L, and Harry S (all ISB Grade 10; pictured with a non-ISB team member) developed an investment strategy, analyzed industries and companies, and built a portfolio using virtual cash.

The young Wall Street wizards found out recently that they had qualified for the regional finals of the competition, which is affiliated with Wharton Business School, where alumni include Warren Buffett, Elon Musk, and many current and former CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. They’re now waiting to see if they’ve made it through to the global finals.

Part of the brief was to invest the money in a socially responsible way. “During the course of this competition, we have developed the confidence, knowledge, and skills to assess potential investment opportunities,” said Bill. “We have also learned that investment is a dynamic and very long-term pursuit.”

The teammates said they got a real sense of accomplishment from not only seeing their returns grow but also satisfying their client.

“We never thought that we would reach this stage of the competition, but now we’re in the regional finals, we’re going to fight hard for a spot in the global final,” Harry added.

Encouraging learners to discover their passions and develop skills that will serve them in life beyond school, ISB supports its students to get involved in many respected externally organized events like the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition. The competition is a good fit for ISB’s Mission of allowing thinkers and leaders to find their place in the world and serve others while building strong relationships and learning in a challenging and joyful way.