HowTheMarketWorks
HowTheMarketWorks is a free web stock-market simulation for practicing investing with virtual money and real market data.
What HowTheMarketWorks is
HowTheMarketWorks is a free web stock-market simulation for practicing investing with virtual money and real market data. New users receive $100,000 in virtual cash. The free plan includes US stocks and mutual funds, basic research tools, and 50 built-in investing and personal-finance lessons. Its Education Center adds lessons and videos. Teachers can create private classroom contests, set dates and starting cash, choose commissions and trading rules, then track student performance, assign lessons, and generate reports. Assignments may combine videos, articles, calculators, and trades with start and due dates. The site identifies K-12 classrooms and schools as its audience. It says it supports CSPA, FERPA, and COPPA compliance and can provide schools or districts with a signed Data Privacy Agreement. Quote data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Derivatives trading is excluded; advanced derivatives and other security types are separate premium products.
Good
- Free plan with $100,000 virtual cash
- Private contests support classroom customization
- Includes 50 investing and finance lessons
- Teachers can assign lessons and generate reports
- Supports CSPA, FERPA, and COPPA compliance
Watch out
- Quote data is delayed at least 15 minutes
- Derivatives trading is not included
- Free service is supported by advertising
- Platform is web-based
Who it suits
It is aimed at schools, especially K-12 classrooms, and teachers building investing exercises. Students can practice with virtual cash while instructors manage contests, lessons, assignments, and reports.
Verdict
HowTheMarketWorks combines simulated trading with classroom controls and built-in financial education. It offers a broad free practice environment, while delayed quotes and excluded derivatives set clear boundaries.
Plans and prices
From HowTheMarketWorks's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Free forever · supported by advertising · custom contests · US stocks and mutual funds · basic research tools · 50 built-in investing and personal finance lessons · free $100K practice portfolio |
The facts
Each one read from HowTheMarketWorks's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Assignments
- Teachers can create assignments with tasks such as watching videos, reading articles, using calculators, and placing trades, with start and due dates.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Classroom use
- Teachers can create private classroom contests and customize dates, starting cash, commissions, and trading rules.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Data and quote delay
- Quote data is delayed at least 15 minutes and is provided by XIGNITE and QuoteMedia.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Education
- The site provides built-in investing lessons and access to lessons and videos in its Education Center.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Student privacy
- The site says it supports CSPA, FERPA, and COPPA compliance and can provide schools or districts with a signed Data Privacy Agreement.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- HowTheMarketWorks users can contact support at [email protected] or access the teacher and student FAQs.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Teacher tools
- Teachers can track student performance, assign lessons, and generate reports.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Trading limits
- HowTheMarketWorks does not feature derivatives trading; advanced derivatives and other security types are offered by its separate premium products.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Virtual cash
- New users receive $100,000 in virtual cash.checked 9 Oct 2026
- What it does
- HowTheMarketWorks is a free stock market simulation where users practice investing with virtual money and real market data.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Who it serves
- The site describes HowTheMarketWorks as a free stock game designed for schools and identifies K-12 classrooms as its audience.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- HowTheMarketWorks is a product of Stock-Trak, Inc. and was created in 2004.checked 9 Oct 2026
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