Students from the University of West Florida (UWF) College of Business recently presented their stock investment recommendations and engaged in a lively debate about the future of cryptocurrency. The event, held at the UWF Commons Auditorium, showcased the diligent work and research conducted by these aspiring finance professionals.
Selected from the esteemed Securities Analysis and Portfolio Management course, the students presented their stock recommendations to a panel of student trustees. Luke Racine impressed the audience with his insightful presentation on Nvidia Corp, a leading technology company specializing in graphics processing units (GPUs). Following Racine, Nicolas Mielke pitched BYD Company, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, while Pedro Pilli presented Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, a company specializing in the defense industry.
The student trustees faced the challenging task of selecting the top stock recommendation pitch. After careful deliberation, Racine’s presentation on Nvidia emerged as the winner. The Argo Growth Fund awarded each presenter with $50,000 in funding to further support their investment ideas. This hands-on experience provided the students with invaluable fiduciary skills and prepared them for the competitive finance industry.
In addition to the stock presentations, the event featured a stimulating debate on the future of cryptocurrency. Robert Sherlock and Aaron Korel engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the merits and potential pitfalls of this virtual form of currency, which is exchanged online rather than through a central authority. As the debate unfolded, Korel’s well-reasoned arguments and comprehensive understanding of cryptocurrency ultimately earned him the victory.
Cryptocurrency has gained widespread attention in recent years, led by the phenomenon of Bitcoin. Its decentralized nature and potential for significant returns have attracted both investors and skeptics. The debate at UWF provided a platform to explore the possibilities and challenges associated with this emerging financial landscape.
Dr. K.C. Ma, the Mary Ball Washington/Switzer Bros. endowed professor of finance in UWF’s College of Business, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Wall Street treats students’ investments just like any other money managers’ investments.” This real-world experience in managing actual funds allows students to gain practical skills and prepares them for the complexities of the finance industry.
Established in 2019, UWF’s Argo Investments program aims to provide College of Business finance students with authentic experiences in managing real-world funds. The use of actual money, approved by the UWF Foundation Board in 2020, further enhances the program’s credibility and impact.
The event concluded with audience members participating in a popular vote using a mobile app. This interactive element allowed attendees to engage with the presentations and express their opinions on the stock recommendations and the cryptocurrency debate. It provided an opportunity for the audience to actively participate and contribute to the discussions.
The success of UWF’s business students in the Argo Growth Fund and the engaging debate on cryptocurrency highlight the depth of talent and knowledge within the College of Business. These ambitious finance professionals are equipped with the skills and experience to navigate the complex world of investments and contribute to the ever-evolving financial landscape.
As the UWF College of Business continues to prepare these students to make their mark in the world of finance and investments, their future looks promising. For more information about UWF’s College of Business and its programs, please visit uwf.edu/cob.
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