March 17, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Student team members of the UAB School of Business Green and Gold Fund, a student-managed investment portfolio, will defend their title at the national competition the team won in 2008.

Last March, the Green and Gold Fund was recognized as the No. 1 finisher for the growth-style portfolio in the undergraduate division at RISE (Redefining Investment Strategy Education) VIII, the world's largest student investment forum and competition with more than 2,000 annual attendees. The UAB fund's victory at RISE led to featured coverage on the CNBC financial news network.

Now, RISE IX is set to take place March 26-28 in Dayton, Ohio. University portfolios will be judged on their success in the areas of growth, value, blend, alternative and fixed-income styles of management. For the year, the Green and Gold Fund is beating Wall Street, posting a 12-percent dip in value from its 52-week high compared to a 50-percent drop for the Dow Jones Industrial Average as of the end of February.

 "Participation in the Green and Gold Fund goes beyond any classroom experience," said faculty advisor Lary Cowart, Ph.D., interim chairman of the Department of Finance, Economic and Quantitative Methods. "These kids have worked their way through the toughest market in more than 60 years and have that experience to build on professionally."

The Green and Gold Fund profits are used to fund student scholarships.