NEW BRITAIN (May 18, 2007) – Their names are Jahmar Morgan, Kahmar Morgan and Zachary Niland, but none of them will mind if you call them "the next Warren Buffett," and you might just be right.

Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, real-time access to global financial markets and the knowledge they’ve gained in assistant professor of finance Dr. Joseph Farhat’s Principals of Investments class, the three CCSU students finished first in a recent statewide stock market simulation contest. The legendary Buffett, whose net worth is said to be over $40 billion, amassed his fortune through astute stock picking.

The three Central students were given a hypothetical $100,000.00 to invest in a stock "portfolio" over a ten-week period. At the conclusion of the trading timeframe, the top performing team in each division is recognized by the Hartford Courant, which sponsors the competition through its Newspapers in Education program. As first place winners in the Adult Division, the three CCSU students were recognized in a congratulatory Courant advertisement and each received a pen and a Barnes & Noble bookstore gift card.

Dr. Farhat’s course aims to imbue students with an understanding of the organization and functioning of securities markets, types and characteristics of financial securities traded in domestic and international markets, the basic methods of securities valuation, and evaluation of portfolio performance as well as the ability to gather and analyze financial data using quantitative methods and to use those results in decision making and problem solving. To achieve the course objectives, students are required to learn how to search for and analyze financial data as well as how to utilize it in an on-line stock market trading competition such as the one his students recently captured.

The class meets in the Alumni Association Financial Technology Center, a unique environment which provides students with the opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge to the real world of global financial markets. The setting is high-tech trading room replete with stock tickers and plasma displays showing live, up-to-date financial information from the US stock market and financial markets around the world. The Standard & Poor's COMPUSTAT® Database for example is accessible through every PC in the room. It provides more than 300 annual and 100 quarterly income statements, balance sheet, etc., on approximately 10,000 actively traded companies and 8,000 inactive companies, and for period of 20 years back. (1987-2007).

The FTC also features Bloomberg data terminals delivering in-depth analysis and information about markets and companies on a global basis. Bloomberg, which is to financial content reportage what ESPN is to sports coverage, is a creation of New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The Courant’s Newspaper in Education Connecticut Stock Market Simulation is endorsed by the Connecticut Newspaper In Education Council. Students work in teams of 2-5 players.

Kahmar Morgan, who intends to pursue a career in finance, said both the trading room and the contest kept him constantly tuned in to the market on a daily basis. Jahmar Morgan added, "What better experience (is there) than hands on experience?" Their teammate, Niland, added, "Taking part in the SMS was another intellectually engaging activity that I am glad I had the opportunity to do. Although the money was simulated, every other aspect was very real and I participated as though it was with real money."

Professor Farhat wasn’t at all surprised his students won the statewide competition. "They are excellent team players and critical-thinkers," he said, adding "They have demonstrated superior knowledge of securities markets and desire to succeed. My greatest satisfaction is to see my students succeed in their endeavors."

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