Pupils show off their skills on the stock market

PUPILS from Launceston School have proved that despite the ongoing recession there is money to be made on the stock market.

Two teams from years 13 and 12 currently sit in first and third place respectively in a stocks and shares trading competition.

Launched by Truro and Wadebridge-based independent financial advisers, Worldwide Financial Planning and Education Business Partnership in November, the countywide virtual trading challenge has seen nine schools go head-to-head.

Each team has a virtual £100,000 to invest, with the winner being the group to have made the greatest return by April.

"To have two teams from the same school challenging for top spot is great," said Peter McGahan, Worldwide's managing director.

"At the moment prices of stocks and shares are fluctuating so much, even in the space of a day, so to do as well as they have is fantastic.

"There are people in the financial world that could certainly learn some tips from these teens."

The year 13 team's portfolio is worth just over £120,000 whilst the Year 12 team stand just £8,000 behind at £112,000.

"A 20% return in just over a month is not to be sniffed at," added Peter.

In total 19 teams are taking part in the challenge and currently there is a difference of nearly £40,000 between the most and least successful groups.

Each week the teams must submit a report to Worldwide detailing their profits and loses.

The overall winner in April will then be treated with a visit to the Bank of England in May, plus a boat trip on Worldwide's RIB.

Schools taking part include Bodmin, Callington, Falmouth, Penrice, Brannel, Penair and Helston, as well as last year's winners, Pool Business and Enterprise College.

"The students are really getting stuck into this competition, I've been receiving numerous e-mails from them asking questions and seeking advice," added Peter.

"I've think we've got some very capable future Chancellors of the Exchequer in the making."