Stock market simulation game starts: This is how young people get to the markets!

Stock market simulation game starts: This is how young people get to the markets!

The exciting 43rd game round of the stock market simulation game of the Kreissparkasse Cologne starts on October 1st, 2025. Until January 26, 2026, schoolchildren, students and those interested in the stock market from the Kreissparkasse business area have the opportunity to become active in virtual trading risk-free. The simulation game offers practical access to the capital markets without using real money. This not only pleases the participants, but also the educational initiatives in the region that focus on financial education.

Registration for the popular learning project is now possible. Anyone interested can find all the information and the registration code on the Kreissparkasse Köln homepage. The participants start with a fictitious capital of 50,000 euros, which they can increase through clever trading decisions. The main goal? Use your brains and strategic skills to increase the value of your virtual depot. The simulation game, which has been considered a contribution to financial education since 1983, has expanded over the years to include sustainable investment concepts. Investments in companies that meet certain environmental and social standards are particularly valued.

New functions for digital gaming pleasure

With the current game round, exciting new features come into play. An AI comparison portfolio shows participants how artificial intelligence develops trading strategies. There will also be a digital trading diary that will help track and document investment decisions. Crypto trading and certificates are now also possible - ideal for the younger generation who want to actively shape the future of the financial world. The simulation game not only gives participants knowledge about the stock market, but also a good understanding of capital markets and their strategic planning. This is particularly relevant at a time when economic uncertainty is often part of everyday life. [sparkasse-kl] emphasizes that financial education is one of the key skills of the future.

Over the years, many teams have achieved impressive results, including the Hohenstaufen-Gymnasium, which has enjoyed great success both regionally and nationally. The winning team “Bischoff” recently increased its virtual capital from 50,000 euros to an astonishing 75,621 euros. Such achievements show that a feel for the market and long-term trading are definitely worthwhile. Sustainability assessment also remains a core aspect in this round of games, encouraging participants to think about the impact of their investments on the future. [ausbadhonnef] reports on the awards ceremony taking place on May 8th in Berlin, where the three best teams will be honored for their successes in the depot and sustainability ratings.

A look into the future

The Kreissparkasse has also committed itself to awarding its own prizes of around 30,000 euros for local participants. All of these efforts support financial education in schools and help prepare young people for the challenges of the financial market. At the same time, the initiatives of the Kreissparkasse and the organizations behind the project, such as the German Savings Banks and Giro Association, place a clear emphasis on sustainable investments and responsible business.

The stock market simulation game is not just an artistic experiment in the classroom, but also actively supports the development of young people's economic skills and thus makes an important contribution to the financial upswing of the next generation. The next round can start on October 1st!