Challenging the Next Generation

The NYMEX Open Outcry Commodities Challenge for college students is a competition simulating activity on the NYMEX trading floor on Wall Street. Each student performed trades, just like a broker does on the NYMEX floor, according to a given set of limit and market orders. Judging was based on the best-executed trades and completion of the order form with the least discrepancies. Judges inside and outside of the pit determined which students were the best traders with the fewest mistakes and best overall bids.

In 2007, the competition went national. In addition to students from Houston-based colleges and universities, representatives of Columbia University, Rollins College and Oklahoma State participated. The University of Houston took first place.