Stock market games use stimulation techniques whereby a student, and investors, test different strategies using actual market data. Many simulations give the user $100,000 (not real money), enabling the user to purchase stocks, exchange-traded funds and mutual funds. The stock market then reacts as it normally would, letting the user see the portfolio react as if the trades were real.
Wall Street Survivor
The Wall Street Journal has a free simulation named "Wall Street Survivor." People sign up to access this game. The students can create a log-in name and password. Once completed, the students will receive $100,000 to use at their disposal. The Wall Street Survivor also has many weekly or monthly stock and option contests available.
How The Market Works
Howthemarketworks.com allows users to practice trading stocks, currencies, penny stocks, mutual funds, and more. Students create an account to learn how to trade and invest using $100,000 of imaginary money. On the other hand, teachers can create "groups" in which students join and compete amongst themselves. Howthemarketworks.com also provides tools that enable students to make informed decisions. Live charts and stock quotes, stock screeners, and a library of trading information is available. Howthemarketworks.com features public contests to see who can earn the most with $25,000, or students can join howthemarketworks.com's official monthly contests. This simulation also allows student to learn the technique of "selling short."
Stock-Trak Simulation
Stock-Trak simulations allow teachers and professors to create groups so students can compete against each other, or students can create their own account to just practice their strategies. This stock market simulation allows users to trade all major securities. Market, limit, and stop orders are permitted within the simulation. Investing tips, stock and investment research are provided to aid students in their decisions. Stock-Trak claims that 80 percent of the top business schools in the United States, as well as 50,000 investors, used its simulation tool in 2009.
Financial Post Stock Market Challege
The Financial Post Stock Market Challenge allows users to create an account. Users establish portfolios using securities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ, AMEX and TSX. Students can execute market, limit, open, and stop orders to get a realistic feel for the market. Additionally, each trade is issued with a $25 commission fee, which allows the students to invest and account for commissions.
