NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Investopedia, the web's premier source of trusted financial content, announced the launch of the first-ever Market Madness Investing challenge. The contest, which already has thousands of students signed up, is a virtual stock trading competition for college students powered by Investopedia's Stock Simulator, and is completely free to enter.

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"We want to give the investors of tomorrow the opportunity to experience the markets first-hand so they can be as prepared as possible for the real thing," commented Investopedia CEO David Siegel. "We see more and more students seeking to becoming financially literate and take control of their investing future, and this gives them invaluable practice, learning what moves markets and securities, and how to make financial decisions."

Students that join the competition are given $50,000 in virtual cash.. Entrants will be competing with others across the country, seeking prize money and school pride for their college or university. Prizes go to the top three highest percentage gainers.

Anyone enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college is invited to enter by clicking here and enrolling using their .edu email address.

Participants create and manage their own virtual portfolio throughout the three-month span beginning on January 23, 2017 placing their first trades at 9:30am EST and ending on April 14, 2017 at 11:59:59pm EST. The below cash prizes will be awarded to eligible participants with the best-performing portfolios.


    --  First place individual will receive $10,000 to put in an investment fund
    --  Second place will receive $3,000; and
    --  Third place will receive $1,000

"The goal of this competition is not just the opportunity to win money but also to cultivate the next generation of investors," added Siegel. "No matter what your skill-set is, be prepared to come out of this competition with a stronger knowledge of the markets."

If you're interested in entering in Investopedia's Market Madness Challenge 2017 sign up before the contest begins. The last day to register is January 22 at 12:00am EST. For more information on eligibility and how to participate, please see the Investopedia Market Madness Virtual Stock Trading Contest Rules.

About Investopedia
Wholly owned by IAC (NASDAQ: IAC), Investopedia is the world's leading source of financial content on the web, with more than 23 million unique visitors and 75 million page views each month. Powered by a team of data scientists and financial experts, Investopedia offers timely, trusted and actionable financial information for every investor, from early investors to financial advisors to high net worth individuals. Investopedia is operated by IAC Publishing, a collection of some of the web's largest and most trusted digital media brands. For the latest in financial news and information, visit http://www.investopedia.com.

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SOURCE Investopedia