Baylor Student Finishes in Top Two Percent in Worldwide Portfolio Challenge

Follow us on Twitter: @BaylorUMedia
Media Contact: Eric Eckert (254) 710-1964
WACO, Texas (Jan. 22, 2016) – Brandon Hemphill, B.B.A. (International Business and Finance) '15, finished 16th of 1,000 students from four continents in the Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Global Portfolio Challenge.
The ETF Global Portfolio Challenge is an online simulation that allows students to learn about investing in exchange-traded products. Each competitor constructs a portfolio with a virtual amount of $100,000. The student with the highest portfolio return wins.
"Events like the ETF Portfolio Challenge are a wonderful opportunity for students to take what they are learning in the classroom and put it into practice in a competitive environment," said Matthew Quade, Ph.D., assistant professor of management in Baylor's Hankamer School of Business. "These types of events push our students to engage the real world in a way that is difficult to simulate in the classroom. Ultimately, these kinds of experiences can be a critical piece for students to truly develop as thinkers, decision makers and future leaders."
Hemphill said he was excited about his strong finish in the challenge. He said Ted Moorman, Ph.D, assistant professor of finance, insurance and real estate, was a major influence on him during his time at Baylor.
"Along with my individual research, Dr. Moorman helped me develop a clearer understanding of how markets operate and provided theory-based evidence that assisted me in determining a strategy for the ETF Global Portfolio Challenge," he said.
Moorman said Hemphill possesses persistence, drive and focus, which was likely critical to his trading success.
"Participating in online national and international competitions related to a student’s vocational interests offers opportunities to broaden peer networks and receive recognition at a national level," Moorman said. "It also gives students skills that are valuable to potential employers and provides them with a better idea of what is involved in particular vocations."
The enrollment deadline for the Spring 2016 ETF Global Portfolio Challenge is Friday, Feb. 12.
by Jenna Press, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
ABOUT HANKAMER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business provides a rigorous academic experience, consisting of classroom and hands-on learning, guided by Christian commitment and a global perspective. Recognized nationally for several programs, including Entrepreneurship and Accounting, the school offers 24 undergraduate and 13 graduate areas of study. Visit www.baylor.edu/business and follow on Twitter at twitter.com/Baylor_Business.