The University of Manitoba Investment Group (UMIG) is an active student group in I.H. Asper School of Business, with the goal of creating a fun and interesting environment where students learn about the financial markets and investing. Members work together to select and manage assets in the UMIG Portfolio with the goals of minimizing risks and maximizing returns. UMIG is open to the entire University, from students who have no previous investment experience to graduate students ready to enter the finance industry.

UMIG’s monthly meetings begin by trying to build a foundation - providing students with the information and resources they need to make sound investment decisions. Members are divided into groups that research different sectors, working together to select the best investments for the group portfolio. In addition all UMIG members will have an opportunity to compete in the UMIG Stock Market Competition sponsored by Great-West Life. Here, members manage a $100,000 stock portfolio in a simulator account which will include all functions of a real trading account. Great-West Life representatives from various backgrounds in the financial industry will be making presentations at UMIG meetings throughout the year to provide their insights and share their experiences investing. $8000 in total prizes will be awarded to participants with the best performance as well as randomly selected draws.

Members will also vie for a spot on the highly anticipated New York Finance Trip, which takes place every year in early January. Members selected for this trip will get to visit corporations like the New York Stock Exchange, Bloomberg, Goldman Sachs and other prestigious organizations like the IMF and the U.N., all in the world’s financial capital. (Participants will also get a chance to fully experience the city and all the Big Apple has to offer)

UMIG will be hosting the 2nd Annual UMIG Wine and Cheese event in December. It’s an event that will provide students with a great opportunity to network with financial professionals and ask questions or get opinions about investing.

Ultimately, UMIG will give you the opportunity to learn how to invest money, not only how to select stocks but also how to build a portfolio and utilize asset allocation. Joining UMIG not only allows you to network with students while having something great to put on your resume, but the knowledge UMIG members receive will help them plan and manage their own finances, something we all can benefit from.

The UMIG student group has four main goals for its members:

1. To educate members in fundamental principles and techniques of sound investment practices

2. To gain a better understanding of financial markets, how they function, and what influences them

3. To provide an opportunity to analyze stocks and build a portfolio utilizing strategic asset allocation

4. To gain ideas and insight via peer discussions, lectures, presentations and guest speakers