Taking Stock returns to nebusiness today

Jun 24 2009 By Andrew Mernin, The Journal

Are you ready to go back into the bear pit? Andrew Mernin previews the return of our hugely popular fantasy trading game, Taking Stock.

TODAY the doors swing open once again to the fantasy stock market trading floor. Armed with a virtual £100,000 to invest, would-be traders across the region will analyse the fluctuating fortunes of listed businesses large and small as they consider their purchases carefully.

The Taking Stock game allows you to use virtual money to trade real stocks and shares for the chance to win prizes – as well as bragging rights over your colleagues.

Last time out almost 700 people joined the game on The Journal’s business website, nebusiness.co.uk, while several North East businesses created their own in-house mini-league.

Today battle will commence for a second time, and players will vie for places at the top – and bottom – of the league for prizes and pride.

Last time out John Bottomley, who runs the Bathroom Studio Birtley, Gateshead, and played the game under the trading name of White Van Man, won a luxury stay at Matfen Hall and £500 in cash after turning his initial £100,000 virtual stake into more than £800,000.

This time the player with the biggest portfolio will again receive £500, courtesy of stockbrokers Brewin Dolphin, as well as a luxury break for two at Seaham Hall, County Durham.

Players who took part last time will receive an email giving them the option of being re-entered into the new game, with their portfolios being reset back to £100,000. Meanwhile, new players can join up on nebusiness.co.uk until two weeks before the end of the game on August 21.

We will publish regular updates on the game in The Journal’s business section and you can constantly monitor your performance by logging into the game via www.nebusiness.co.uk.