Rules

Okay, to begin with, since this will be an attempt to replicate Millionaire: the Stock Market Simulation, there will be some rules about stock trading.

1. The only stocks allowed will be the 30 companies on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (here).
2. We will begin with $10,000, and have until the first week of September to reach $1 million.
3. Since the game went by weeks, trading will only be allowed on  Mondays, or on Tuesdays if the market is closed on Monday.
4. We will be restricted to long positions until our net worth reaches $12,000. At that point, we will be allowed to purchase shares on margin. When net worth reaches $18,000, we will be able to purchase call options. When net worth reaches $40,000, we will be able to purchase put options. When net worth reaches $100,000, we will be able to sell stocks short.
5. Research will be limited to headlines dealing with particular companies or the general economic situation, and stock graphs.
6. Although the game had a percentage to pay to the broker, we will assume $7 trades through a Scottrade online broker.
7. The game allowed one to purchase hundreds of option contracts at a time; we will be restricted to options actually available for sale.
8. Since any gains will be short-term capital gains, we will assume that the highest tax rate will be charged, and deduct that amount from profitable sales (Federal Tax Brackets)