Student Investment Fund students rise to the challenge

The students of the Student Investment Fund class at the David Eccles School of Business have a consistent record of performing well at case competitions near and far, and that continued at the recent international student portfolio competition in Dayton, Ohio.

Held in conjunction with the RISE 14 student investment conference, sponsored by the University of Dayton in association with the United Nations Global Compact, the student-managed portfolio competition included 60 teams competing in six investment-style categories.

The University of Utah team was one of seven recognized at the conference, thanks to a tie in one category, and won in the category of “Alternative,” joining other winning teams from California State University-Fresno, Michigan Technological University, Roger Williams University, Drexel University, Simon Fraser University and Stetson University.

The contest covers the calendar year, notes faculty advisor Dr. Elizabeth Tashjian, so the $1,000 prize awarded the team from the David Eccles School of Business reflects the work of both last year’s Student Investment Fund class, as well as this year’s (pictured). The school’s portfolio ended the year up 49%, as compared to the S&P and NASDQ indexes, which gained 30% and 27%, respectively.

RISE (Redefining Investment Strategy Education) is the world’s largest student investment forum, and its annual conference attracts leaders in the finance industry to discuss market trends, forecasts and critical issues with students like those from the David Eccles School of Business.

Pictured above is this year’s Student Investment Fund class: (left to right) Bryce Whiting, Benton Sturt, Kaitlyn Sanders, Alex Wall, Chase Payne, Thomas Houser, Zach Bitner, Dave Sandahl, Dylan Nelson, Taylor Nielsen, Josh Castillo, Na Teng, Mai Sanchez, and Ka Ho Chan

Here’s a photo of last year’s Student Investment Fund class, who were also honored by the prize: