Beginning in 2017, CFAW developed an investment selection contest for its members. The contest is meant to be a fun and engaging opportunity for CFAW members to put their skills to the test, and it's a great opportunity for the winner to gain recognition within the CFAW community. This contest is for current active CFAW members only.
For 2020, the contest is taking a big leap! This year contest participants can make their selections and “set it and forget it,” or they can change their selections throughout the contest period to simulate live trading. To sign up for the contest, visit http://www.cfacontest.com.
1. Who can enter the contest?
A: CFAW Members (including student/candidate and guest members).
2. Where can I enter the contest?
A: http://www.cfacontest.com.
3. Can I make multiple entries in the contest?
A: a. Each member can only create one profile, and thus one entry, for the contest. If it’s determined that a member has created multiple profiles, he or she will be disqualified.
4. What are my investment options for the contest?
A: This year’s contest sources data from IEX, which offers over 7,000 securities.
5. Can I compare my returns to other participants throughout the contest?
A: Yes, you can see the performance of all participants (identified by each participant’s alias) here: https://cfadc.herokuapp.com/scoreboard/
6. How is the winner determined?
A: The participant with the highest account value at year-end will be deemed the winner of the contest.
7. Can there be a tie in the contest?
A: Since contestants can alter their portfolio allocations on a daily basis, it’s almost impossible for two participants to end up with the exact same amount of money at the end of the contest. However, in such a rare case, the person who signed up first will be the winner.
8. What is the prize?
A: The winner of the contest will receive a complimentary one-year membership to CFAW, along with complimentary admission to the 2021 CFAW Annual Dinner.
9. Where/when will the prize be awarded?
A: The winning participant will be announced at the 2021 CFAW Annual Dinner.
10. When is the deadline to enter the contest?
A: Participants can enter the contest at any time before the end of the contest measurement period (December 31, 2020). However, a later start means less time for any given participant’s investment selections to grow.
11. What is the performance measurement time period for my selections?
A: You can start designing your portfolio right away after signing up for the contest. Accounts begin growing in value at the launch of the contest on April 1, 2020, and the final round of calculations will be performed as of midnight on December 31, 2020.
12. Will performance include dividends?
A: No. Performance will be calculated based on the value of stock retrieved from IEX.
13. Will the selection weights be rebalanced periodically?
A: Participants will have the ability to change investments throughout the contest time period by making their preferred selections via the online portal under their username.
14. Will my portfolio be public?
A: No, your portfolio will remain private and confidential. However, your performance will be made public through the scoreboard under your preferred alias. You can set your desired alias after logging in to create your account. To participate in the contest, you need to select a public alias.
