The Contest

CNBC recently announced an online trading challenge for Australian residents whereby each participant is given 100,000 fictional dollars to fictionally trade stocks on the ASX. Trading is limited to buying and selling without margin, and stocks are limited to those that compose the S&P/ASX 300 Index. Short selling is not permitted, nor is the trading of options, bonds or mutual funds. Monday through Friday, CNBC announces a question on their show "Trading Matters" that participants can answer on the website. The prize for each question answered correctly is 10,000 fictional dollars. In addition, participants who successfully refer others to the contest will receive 1000 fictional dollars for each person referred.

It's a publicity stunt, yeah I know, and I realise that the limitations imposed on the players and the ridiculously generous prizes make it more a game of luck than a challenge of trading skill. But its a bit of fun, its an excuse to get competitive about something and there are more than 10 thousand people playing. Why not have a go?

I thought it would be good to have a place where the players could share their ideas, give tips and vent frustration. I expect to post regularly with new developments and ideas as they come up. If you have a topic you want to bring up or some information to share, you can post a comment or email me.

I'm competing under the name Jeff Johnson.

Good luck to everyone competing!