Core Trading Consultants (CTC), a student-run financial organization at Ithaca College, has achieved a remarkable milestone with its portfolio currently valued at approximately $126,000. This figure represents more than double the value of the portfolio from four years ago, reflecting significant growth and engagement within the organization.
Since its inception in 2020, CTC has expanded its membership and overall involvement, welcoming students from various academic backgrounds. Membership is not confined to those within the School of Business, allowing for a diverse range of experiential learning opportunities that cater to both professional and personal interests. According to a recent survey conducted by CTC’s executive board, 46% of members are pursuing majors outside of finance, while 11% are enrolled in disciplines beyond the School of Business, including journalism, computer science, exercise science, biology, and English.
Matt Fox, an investment program manager in the Department of Finance and International Business, oversees the trading room and emphasized that students with a general interest in the stock market are encouraged to join. He noted that the diverse mix of students enhances the organization’s dynamic.
“A significant number of students are interested in investing in the stock market,” Fox stated. “Many already have their own investment accounts, where they occasionally invest their earnings.”
CTC has experienced a surge in membership, growing from 30 members in March 2022 to over 60 active participants in 2024. Junior Elle Wilcox, co-vice president of community and engagement, expressed excitement about the club’s camaraderie, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere in the trading room.
“To see the trading room filled with students is truly special,” Wilcox said. “When you walk by the glass windows, you can see how busy it is.”
Senior Collin Feeney, chief operating officer, explained that CTC’s membership comprises junior analysts who present investment pitches and senior analysts who make final investment decisions based on these pitches. Alumni and faculty attend these sessions to provide insights, but they do not participate in the final decision-making process. All profits generated by CTC are reinvested within the club.
“The pitch process is guided by the executive board and faculty, which is incredibly helpful, especially for first-time presenters,” Feeney noted. “It can be nerve-wracking to present your case to the group, as you’re essentially trying to sell your company and secure a vote for your investment.”
CTC is one of three student-managed portfolios under the South Hill Fund, which encompasses approximately $1.2 million in total assets, including an equity management portfolio and a fixed income portfolio. The Investment Advisory Board (IAB) oversees the South Hill Fund, comprised of around 20 alumni and five faculty members.
Marc Weinberg, a lecturer in the Department of Finance and International Business and chair of the IAB, emphasized that while the board supervises CTC, the decision-making process is predominantly handled by the students.
“We do not vote on investment decisions,” Weinberg explained. “We offer advice and guidance when requested, but ultimately, it is CTC members who decide whether to buy or sell stocks based on their pitches.”
In addition to focusing on profitability, CTC adheres to ethical investment guidelines. Wilcox noted that even if a stock shows promise, it will not be considered if it does not align with the organization’s values. For instance, CTC opted not to invest in Philip Morris, despite its strong performance, due to the company’s alignment with the club’s moral standards.
“CTC prioritizes investing in ethical companies,” Wilcox said. “For example, while there was interest in Philip Morris as a growing stock, it did not support our values.”
In March, 16 CTC members attended the Global Asset Management Education (GAME) Forum at Quinnipiac University, the largest student-run financial conference in the world. CTC earned third place in the Undergraduate Small Fund Portfolio competition, securing a cash prize and marking its first placement in a GAME forum competition.
Senior Sanskar Mehta, chief investment officer at CTC, highlighted the significance of the achievement, noting it marked the organization’s return to the conference following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This was our first time attending the conference since COVID-19, and placing third out of over 150 schools demonstrates our growth,” Mehta stated.
Fox reiterated the benefits of having students from various academic backgrounds, emphasizing the diverse perspectives they bring to the organization.
“It’s fantastic to have students from the music school, the Park School, and the humanities school involved in managing real investments,” Fox said. “Their varied perspectives significantly shape our portfolio and contribute to our impact.”
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