Challenge issued to predict stock market Challenge issued to predict stock market

Predict what the closing value of the S&P 500 will be on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018. This was the challenge issued to Kansas business professionals by The Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR), part of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, at yesterday's Kansas Economic Outlook Conference in Wichita.

All entries for this challenge must be submitted by the end of the day on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017. Those wishing to participate need to submit their prediction at http://www.SP500.cedbr.org. The individual with the closest prediction will win free registration to the 2018 Kansas Economic Outlook Conference, as well as stage recognition at the event for his/her company.

CEDBR also unveiled the first student winner of this contest. Eleven students at Wichita State University competed in determining the closing value of the S&P 500 on Sept. 1, 2017. The winning prediction was only $26.55 off from the actual closing value of $2,476.55. Hongchi "Abby" Guo, a graduate student pursuing a Master's in Economics, was recognized on stage for her submission.

"It is exciting to see Wichita State University students applying their academic experiences," said Jeremy Hill, CEDBR director. "Challenges like these not only hone their skills, but will provide a new forecasting tool."