Better understand cryptocurrencies with Bourstad

The well-known Bourstad stock market simulation competition is in its 35th^and editing. As a novelty, a webinar on cryptoassets will be offered free to the public on March 2.

Andre Dubuc
The Press

Sources of credible and disinterested information on the assets resulting from the decentralization of finance are rare on the Internet, even more so in French.

The organizer of Bourstad, the Interuniversity Center for Research in Analysis of Organizations (CIRANO), proposes to fill this gap with the broadcast of the webinar Behind cryptoassets, cryptocurrencies, Web 3.0 and NFT: the blockchainwhich will be moderated by Professors Robert Normand, from the ESG-UQAM School of Management Sciences, and Thierry Warin, from HEC Montréal.

The two professors notably promise to address “the nuances separating pure speculation from the fundamental value of these innovations”. Additionally, Messrs. Normand and Warin will highlight the importance of blockchain as the fundamental architecture of these new asset proposals.

In addition to this webinar on this topical subject, the Bourstad competition broadens the range of cryptoassets eligible for stock market simulation. From a single closed cryptocurrency fund last year, Bourstad is adding two specialized exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and three commercial companies active in this innovative sector this year.

Bourstad participants must manage a virtual portfolio of $200,000 by investing it in a selection of securities such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, currencies and options. The competition is open to both the student community and the general public.

The big game started on February 14 and ends on April 14. The deadline to register is Sunday, February 27. Last year, 3,000 people took part in the simulation.

The registrants will share nearly $35,000 in scholarships at the awards ceremony in May 2022. The awards will highlight the good work of the participants in the competition components: financial performance, portfolio management and responsible investment.

In addition, the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), its main partner, will award special prizes for the most heartfelt testimonials relating to the learning experience acquired by the participants.

A financial education project, Bourstad receives support from recognized partners such as the AMF, the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, CFA Montreal, Finance Montreal, TD Bank, TMX Group and many others.