NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investools Inc., the investor education division of thinkorswim Group Inc. (Nasdaq:SWIM), a leading provider of trading technology and online brokerage services, is creating a new scholarship for investors who want to exercise greater control over their portfolios by applying advanced strategies.
This year's volatile market conditions have forced millions of investors to play a more active role in managing their stock portfolios, including their 401(k)s, IRAs and college savings accounts. But to do that effectively, investors need training in areas ranging from basic fundamental and technical analysis, to more advanced volatility analysis to the application of risk management tools prior to trade execution. Thorough understanding of sound investment techniques is within the grasp of all investors who recognize that they themselves are the best stewards of their financial futures.
Investools, thinkorswim's educational division, is helping a new generation of investors understand market dynamics and the wide range of investment choices available to them, while providing them with investing skills that will provide lifelong benefits. Parents who want to provide for their children's futures, and even their own retirement security, have realized that it is never too early to begin educating themselves about markets and investing, and that there is no such thing as a "born investor."
"We are increasingly seeing that more and more people want to learn the practical 'hows' and 'whys' of stock picking, market timing, sector and index investing, and using options and futures to reduce risk and enhance portfolio performance," states Lee Barba, Chairman and CEO of thinkorswim Group Inc. "For the past 25 years, we have been educating investors and giving them the straightforward knowledge and tools they need to navigate any type of market environment. We are committed to helping the next generation of investors be smarter about their financial choices as they work towards financial security for themselves and their families."
To build the ranks of a more educated generation of investors, and to welcome our newest Americans -- babies born on New Year's Day 2009 -- Investools will be giving the parents of the first 401 babies born in the U.S. on that day a scholarship to its Investing Foundation Course. With just a copy of their child's birth certificate, parents can begin learning how to take greater control of their financial future and develop the skills to help make their children's futures brighter as well.
The scholarships are being awarded in conjunction with a new ad campaign that includes a television spot, airing nationally on cable that features an unscripted baby and the message that investing really isn't so simple that "even a baby can do it."
The Investools Scholarship provides total, free access to the Investing Foundation Course (a $299 value), which covers fundamental investing principles, streamlined stock selection processes and active investment management techniques. The course uses the Investools 7-Step Investing Formula(tm), a step-by-step approach that helps investors find and analyze suitable stocks and determine entry and exit timing and prices based on facts, not emotions.
The scholarship also includes a six-month subscription to the Investor Toolbox(r) and a live, two-day Investing Foundation Workshop, which will empower investors to rely on their own investing knowledge when making decisions.
The first 401 proud parents of babies born on New Year's Day 2009 who send a copy of their baby's birth certificate via email (baby@investools.com) or fax (801-816-6010) by January 31, 2009, will receive an Investools Scholarship redeemable for the course.
Lee Barba, CEO, thinkorswim, is available for interview.
A high-resolution copy of the new Investools "Baby Spot" television ad is available upon request or can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWWxkcwsIzE
About thinkorswim Group Inc. (Nasdaq:SWIM)
thinkorswim Group Inc. (www.thinkorswim.com) offers market-leading online brokerage, investor education and related financial products and services for self-directed investors and active traders. thinkorswim Inc., our award-winning online brokerage division, provides a suite of trading platforms serving self-directed and institutional traders and money managers. thinkorswim platforms have easy-to-use interfaces, sophisticated analytical and research tools, and fast and efficient order execution for even the most complex trading strategies. thinkorswim customers trade a broad range of products, including stock and stock options, index options, futures and futures options, forex, mutual funds and fixed income. Investools Education Group offers a full range of investor education products and services that provide lifelong learning in a variety of interactive delivery formats. Investools graduates can then apply what they've learned by trading with thinkorswim's online brokerage platforms.
The Investools Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5657
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