About the GIC
Explorer Hop's Global Investment Competition (GIC) is a virtual investment opportunity for youth ages 11-17. The competition is open to 500 participants from anywhere in the world. All experience levels are welcome as competitors learn how to trade stocks and build their own portfolio. And for those who are looking to compete, there are more than $100 in prizes to be won! The portfolio with the highest amount at the end of the competition is the first place winner. All participants will however receive a certificate at the end of the competition to acknowledge their learning achievement.
The next competition runs from September 26th-November 4th. Therefore the portfolio with the highest amount on November 4th, 2022 at 4:30 PM EST will be the winner of the first place prize. Second and third place, as well as the top earner in each age category, will subsequently win smaller prizes.
If you feel that you're on the lesser experienced side and want to prepare first, you have time before the next competition. If you would like to learn how to manage your money and invest we suggest enrolling for the following instructor-led online classes: Camp Millionaire Level 1, Personal Finance. If you are looking for self-learning options, check out Learn to Trade and Mutual Funds.
GIC Winners On Their Experience
The Explorer Hop team interviewed past participants on their experience, to help prepare future students, and offer them insight into what it's like to compete. Here are our interviews with the students who placed in the top three!
1st Place: Young Investor Veronika Kolarska
EH: Tell us about yourself!
Veronika: Hello! I'm 13 years old and I live in Toronto, Ontario. I'm an athlete; I love playing sports. I'm a synchronized swimmer; I love dancing in water to music. I love swimming, cycling, being in nature, and exploring the mountains with my family. I also play music; I play several different instruments, like the violin, music spoons, the guitar, and the recorder. With my friend Amelia, we often sing together and write melodies. I'm also very passionate about science and mathematics.
EH: How much investing experience do you have?
Veronika: I didn't have any investing experience before the challenge but now I'm building it.
EH: What are you hoping to get from participating in the competition?
Veronika: I was hoping to experiment with investing in different kinds of stocks, like cryptocurrency, technology, bitcoin, ETFs and mutual funds, to really diversify and widen my horizon, and see how the trading world works.
EH: What would you say to inspire other kids to learn about investing?
Veronika: Great for kids to get involved in programs who give the opportunity to learn about finances and experiment with trading so they can discover how these things work in today's market. A good financial education will lead to being able to manage your money wisely and responsibly in the future, to be able to be financially independent.
EH: What did you think about the competition now that it's over; would you do it again?
Veronika: I'm very grateful to have been a part of this challenge as it gave me the opportunity to experiment with different stocks and learn strategies: how to not lose money for example. It gave me the opportunity to look closely and follow the news. To find those good stocks, a lot of background research and analysis is needed. This challenge really gave me the opportunity to do so. And in this way I was more familiar with what is going on around the world. I would definitely do this challenge again— it was super fun and an awesome experience!
During every competition we post weekly rankings on our social media accounts. Please follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to get the updates.