Date: Jan 13, 2009

Local High School Students to Compete in the Second Annual Commodities Trading Competition at Hofstra

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – Students from several local Long Island high schools will learn about commodities markets and trading as they compete in the second annual Hofstra-Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group Commodities Challenge for High Schools on Friday, January 16, 2009 in Hofstra University’s Martin B. Greenberg Trading Room. 

The one-day contest will begin at 9 a.m. in the Trading Room of C. V. Starr Hall, South Campus. Participating high school students will learn about the purpose and functioning of commodities futures markets and newer electronic trading system and traditional “open outcry” trading, which requires market participants to shout out orders that are then reinforced with hand signals.

"We truly enjoy hosting this event and the opportunity to work with the CME Group. The trading competition provides high school students with the opportunity to learn about the futures markets from the people who actually work there.  And, right now, what could be more topical than learning about trading crude oil futures?" said Nancy White, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Zarb School of Business Finance Department.

Participants will also learn the function of commodities markets from Hofstra's finance professors and professionals of CME Group. Dr. White, Ahmet Karagozoglu, Ph.D., associate professor of finance, and John Lemkan, client management training services for CME Group, will discuss the economics of trading in financial markets as well as market terminology, contracts, trading, investments and the impact of commodities on the overall economy.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three performing students in both the electronic and “open outcry” competitions.


Hofstra University and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group (CME Group) in conjunction with CQG have developed an innovative program designed to introduce high school students to the intriguing world of commodities markets and their impact on the economy and investments. CME Group serves the risk management needs of customers around the globe by providing the widest range of benchmark futures and options products available on any exchange, covering all major asset classes. Their collective vision is one of ongoing global growth, innovative product development, continually enhanced technology and the highest level of service available on any exchange.

The Martin G. Greenberg Trading Room opened in C.V. Starr Hall (a technologically enhanced classroom building) in January 2005 as part of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business. The room features 34 dual-panel Bloomberg terminals that provide access to Bloomberg Professional data and information services. The Trading Room gives Hofstra faculty and students the ability to access and analyze a vast array of financial and economic data, apply analytical methods, conduct interactive trading simulations, and develop contemporary financial models.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from more than 140 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences; business; engineering; communication; education, health and human services; and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. With a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, our professors teach small classes averaging 22 students that emphasize interaction, critical thinking and analysis. Hofstra offers a faculty whose highest priority is teaching excellence. The University also provides excellent facilities with state-of-the-art technology, extensive library resources and internship programs that match students’ interests and abilities with appropriate companies and organizations.  The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.

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