In the fast-paced world of finance, real-world experience is the key to success. At University of Bridgeport, students in professor Congsheng Wu’s Financial Derivatives and Risk Management class recently demonstrated their prowess by securing 11th place in the CME Group University Trading Challenge. This competition, integrated into the curriculum by Dr. Wu, offers students a unique opportunity to bridge theory with practice in the thrilling arena of real-time trading.
The CME Challenge: A Gateway to the global derivatives markets
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group, known as the world’s leading marketplace for derivatives, provided the stage for this exciting finance competition. Offering a wide array of benchmark products across major asset classes, including interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural products, and metals, the CME Group is the epitome of global derivatives trading.
Participating in the CME Group University Trading Challenge is more than a competition — it’s an immersive experience that allows students to dive headfirst into the dynamic world of real-time trading. Teams comprising both undergraduate and graduate students trade various CME Group products on a simulated, professional trading platform. This hands-on approach, coupled with the expertise of our faculty, equips students with valuable skills for navigating the complexities of futures trading.
UB shines on the global stage: Team Visionaries takes 11th place.
Out of more than 400 teams worldwide, Team Visionaries, led by UB student Jacob Dichter, emerged from the month-long competition with an impressive 11th-place finish. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that, for many team members, this competition marked their first foray into the world of finance. Their triumph reflects the students’ dedication to their future careers in the field.
Insights from UB students
Winning accolades is one thing, but gaining real-world experience is equally vital. Professor Wu surveyed his students, and their reflections provide a glimpse into the wealth of knowledge they are acquiring as students in UB’s Ernest C. Trefz School of Business.
“It was a very exciting experience that provided valuable insights and lessons, especially since it was the first time trading for a lot of us. We realized that commodities like crude oil and natural gas can be highly volatile and subject to sudden price swings.”
“Our participation gave us important knowledge about the workings of the futures market. We gained knowledge on the significance of risk management, diversification, and adaptation.”
Team Visionaries reflections on success
Placing in the top 5% of teams in this difficult global trading challenge was a collaborative effort, and each member of Team Visionaries shared their thoughts:
“The competition was an excellent learning experience. What we learned from the competition can reward us in the real world.”
-Vidhi Mandaviya
“I have gained practical knowledge from this opportunity by analyzing financial markets and investing in stocks using different strategies”
-Nisita Pansuriya
The need for swift decision-making in a dynamic market provided invaluable insights into risk management and market analysis.
-Soham Dihora
“Don’t lose small, win big. Taking a risk is safer than not taking it at all.”
-Hrithika Sawant
“The CME competition provided a real trading environment with simulated money that gave us as close to a real-world trading experience as a student can get.”
-Jacob Dichter (Team Captain)
Each fall, the CME Group University Trading Challenge proves to be a transformative experience for UB’s Finance students, reinforcing Dr. Wu’s commitment to providing learning opportunities that go beyond textbooks. This accomplishment sets the stage for future successes and learning opportunities for these students. Congratulations to Team Visionaries and all participants for showcasing their excellence!
To learn more about experiential learning in UB’s Ernest C. Trefz School of Business, click here!