Forum Archive Index - August 2000

["Steve Moxham" <steve@ezysurf.co.nz>]

I agree with you about technology increasing participation in the markets. 

Having considered all the arguments about our shrinking exchange I think it basically boils down to the fact that a booming economy supports a booming stock market.  

In my brief experience at University I participated in the "Forsyth Barr Investment Club" which was basically run by a group of 3rd and 4th year finance students with scarfies' student loan money. Having fished out my token certificate of participation I see our investment return was 28% on funds of $21,000. I can't remember how long it operated for although the certificate is dated 24/9/97. Probably 3-4 months. >From memory I'd say there were about 70-80 people invested including faculty staff. 

The following year I toyed with the idea of setting up my own fund partly because my involvement in the share club was restricted, and partly because I believed I could do a better job!

The impression that I got was that alot of people would like to know how to play the market but didn't have the necessary know how or experience. This applys across the board including many commerce students. Some people are put off by the market because they think it's only for the big boys. These are myths that should be debunked. As for me I wouldn't even consider investing money in the bank as long as there are superior returns to be made. Although that could be an age thing.  

As far as education goes I think that the best teacher is experience. I didn't find too much of what was taught at University to be of much use in the real world. I did however learn alot from reading about the great investors of our times. e.g. Buffett, Brierley, Fisher, Lynch etc.

 

I have some figures from the NZSE challenge that you may all be interested in. Since its inception in 1995 there have been 19,873 teachers and students who have participated in the challenge. According to the NZSE it is often included as part of an assignment that counts for end of term grades.