Starting Out

OK, so here's some of the rules that we have to abide by in the stock simulation. We have $100,000 to invest in any stocks, bonds, or other securities that we like. However, we are limited to buying $25,000 in any one stock. A commission charge of $25 will be charged every time we buy or sell a stock. We must also buy no less than 25 shares in a company. We then have ten weeks (well, eight now) to make as much money as possible. Research for stocks can be done through the simulation website. Though, I prefer to use Yahoo Finance (see link to right). Just so you know, the website where we do all the transactions is http://www.ncarolinasms.com/. You should have the account number and password, but if you don't let me know. So, you can start by poking around on some of the old posts on this blog. I'll put some new stuff up soon and may re-publish some of the old stuff, but take a look around and start getting a feel for the market. You'll want to start reading the oldest posts first. It'll make more sense that way. Also check out http://briefing.com/GeneralInfo/Investor/ToolBox/LearningCenter/edu_Sell_Tactics_1.htm. This page has some different advice from a number of different investors on when to sell, how to cut costs, that sort of thing.

Shopping for a Great Stock

Here's an article on the price of a stock. It's important to remember that for stocks valued at over $5, deciding whether to invest in a stock shouldn't be based on the price of the stock, but on where you expect the stock to go (fiscally). This article is actually pretty good at explaining how the cost of a stock fits in with the whole picture of a company.

Ranking Update

Today we closed with a portfolio value of $108099.05. This puts us in first place in the region (with second place about $800 behind us) and 19th in the state.

IPOs and UFOs

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) are the first time that a stock or company appears for trade on the market. Here's an article with more information. Also be sure to note that Thanksgiving is a market holiday.

Google It!

Check out this article from Yahoo on Google.

Thought that you ought to know...

We are currently ranked 2nd in the region (we're only about $50 behind the 1st place team) and ranked 25th in the state with a portfolio value of $106981.81.

New All Time High

Today, we reached a new team all-time high of $105107.19 and, we are ranked 5th in the region and 40th in the state. This is super-awesome!

Just what is a P/E Ratio?

P/E Ratios (Price to Earnings Ratios) are a good place to start judging the quality of a stock. Granted, they shouldn't be the only thing you use when determining when or if you want to buy a stock, but they can be a good place to start from. It is one way of valuing a company. A company with a lower P/E is cheaper than a company with a high P/E. This does not necessarily give you an indication of how well a company is doing, but merely the cost of the stock compared to the earnings of the company.

Interest Rates

Given as the FEC has been in the news lately concerning raising interest rates, I thought that it might be a good idea to post an article that discusses the impact of interest rates on the business world. Essentially what it boils down to is that as interest rates rise, the value of companies tend to fall. They are inversely related.

Week 6 Standings

At the end of week 6, we are 7th in the region with $101701.28.

Some Help

Here's a link to a page with a number of good links that give you a general feel for how the market works and operates. It's targeted towards younger audiences, so it should prove pretty useful.

Mid-Week Standings

As of today, we are ranked 6th in the region with $102803.91, which is really good.