As a part of my CAS Activity experience, I have participated in my school’s online trading competition, which allowed me to explore the world of finance and investment in a practical environment. Using a trading simulator with a starting balance of $100,000, I traded stocks from different sectors of the US market over one month. I analysed market movements, bought shares daily, and sold them when profitable.

LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
Through this experience, I identified my strengths in analytical thinking, observation, and decision-making. I was able to study stock trends and make logical choices. At the same time, I recognised areas for growth such as emotional control, patience, and improving my knowledge of market strategies.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills
Trading in a competitive environment was challenging because stock prices changed constantly, and profits were never guaranteed. I developed new skills such as financial analysis, risk assessment, time management, and interpreting market news to make better investment decisions.

LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience
For one month, I consistently monitored the market, researched stocks, and made trades regularly. Even when some trades resulted in losses, I stayed committed, learned from mistakes, and continued improving my strategies throughout the competition.

LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions
This experience taught me the importance of ethical decision-making in finance. I understood that investors should act responsibly, avoid manipulation, and make fair decisions. I also recognised how investments can impact companies, society, and the economy.

Reflection:
Overall, the online trading competition was an engaging and educational CAS experience that helped me develop practical financial knowledge and important personal skills. It improved my confidence in decision-making, strengthened my perseverance, and taught me the value of ethical responsibility. This activity helped me understand concepts such as risk management, market trends, and decision-making under pressure. It also improved my patience, responsibility, and analytical thinking while giving me valuable insight into how real financial markets operate globally today.