Students from around 100 higher education institutions across the UK participate in the Challenge, which gives students a practical insight into stock markets, savings and investments by providing real-life skills in a risk-free but competitive setting. The Challenge is split into two categories – undergraduate and postgraduate – and involves investing a ‘fantasy’ £100,000 in the stock market over a three-month period. The overall winner for the year collects £9,000 (undergraduate league) and £3,000 (postgraduate); in the meantime there are monthly prizes of £150 for the best performing portfolio.

Alex Edge had the best performing portfolio in the undergraduate league in January and picks up a cheque for £150 as a result. Alex made big gains from investing in Northern Rock when it was at rock bottom and from dividend payments from BP shares. He increased the value of his investments from £100,000 to more than £142,000.

Source: By University Of Bristol