Students learn more about investing via GIFA

Wednesday 08 March 2023

The Guernsey Investment & Funds Association has organised an initiative introducing students to stock markets and investing.

100 students are taking part in the first annual GIFA Investment Challenge. The event allows students to assume the roles of fund managers, picking stocks and investing into known brands.

23 teams have been created with students from Blanchelande College, the Guernsey Grammar School Sixth Form Centre, The Guernsey Institute and The Ladies’ College. At the start of the competition in October they were given a fictional £1M and have since tried to grow their investments.

"We set up the challenge to encourage students from all backgrounds and subject preferences to be involved. We think it's incredibly important that the island's students get hands-on investment experience before leaving school," said Chair of GIFA's manager's committee, Henry Freeman.

"Investing is an important part of everyone's lives, as everyone will pay into pensions and invest for their futures. If they can learn about the advantages of investing at an early stage, they will be better set for the future. 

"Guernsey is unique in having such a strong investment and finance industry. We believe that the industry must work with the community to demonstrate its benefits to the island and highlight the sector as a career choice. 

"Given some of the stellar investment performances, the future looks very bright for most of our budding stock pickers, with 17 of the teams strongly outperforming America's S&P500 index of largest companies."

Pictured top: Head of Business Studies and Econmics at LC, Daniel Bolt (left) and Mr Freeman (right).