Burkholder Wins Forester Trades Investment Contest

Huntington University senior, Cory Burkholder, turned an initial fictional $10,000 investment into $11,384.72 during the fall semester Investments course. Burkholder’s rate of return was 13.85%, which annualized equaled 51.57%. Cory’s portfolio included 11 different stocks and mutual funds. His top three performers were Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX), Auto Desk, Inc. (ADSK), and NXP Semiconductors (NXP).

Burkholder’s investment portfolio outperformed those of 19 other students enrolled in Dr. Zehr’s investment class. Zehr uses the free “How the Market Works” investment simulation to provide experiential investment education during the semester. “Students love games and competition, so we use investment simulation to compete, learn, and have fun. Ultimately, students learned how making money in the stock market is not as easy as it appears. They learn to weather the ups and downs of the market,” stated Zehr.

“The game was realistic. I chose high beta stocks and did not alter my original portfolio selections much,” added Burkholder. For winning the contest, Burkholder earned full simulation assignment points, a certificate, and an exemption from the course final exam. “My goal was not to promote day trading but to create interest in investing and have students experience investment results from decisions made,” Dr. Zehr explained.