ATLASScoring and rankings, explained
The scoring rule decides what students optimise. If you reward only return, you will get gambling; if you also reward risk and reasoning, you will get portfolios you can learn from.
The main ranking: total return
When every team starts with the same capital, the ranking is simply the percentage return of the portfolio: cash plus the market value of all positions. It is easy to understand and to audit, and it updates as the market moves.
Add a prize for risk-adjusted return
Return alone ignores how much risk was taken. A prize for the best risk-adjusted return, such as the highest Sharpe ratio, rewards the team that earned its result with steadier swings. In the ATLAS × IE challenge, risk has its own ranking and only breaks ties in the main one.
Reward the reasoning
A prize for the best investment thesis, judged on the written report and the presentation, keeps the focus on arguments. A jury with industry experience adds weight to the verdict.
Publish the tie-breakers
Ties are rare with percentages but must be handled. In the IE rules, the team that took less risk goes first, and if still tied, whoever made their last trade earlier. Teams that executed no order are not ranked.
Record participation
Because ATLAS records every proposal, vote and message, you can also evaluate how each student contributed and avoid rewarding a team only for the work of one member.
Official rules of the IE challenge →
Frequently asked questions
Where can I read the official rules of a real challenge?
The official rules of the ATLAS × IE Investment Challenge are public, including trading, team decisions, ranking and the final submission.
What is a risk-adjusted return?
Return relative to the risk taken, for example measured with the Sharpe ratio. It compares teams that took different amounts of risk on a fairer basis.
Can I change the tie-breakers?
Yes. They are part of the rules ATLAS configures with you for your challenge.
Related guides and terms
Run a challenge in your course or club
Tell us your dates, your students and your goals. ATLAS sets up the rules, the teams and the ranking, and you follow the whole class from one dashboard.
ATLAS challenges are educational simulations: they use virtual money and are not investment advice. Not investment advice. ATLAS estimates are produced by statistical models from public data; they can be wrong and past performance does not predict future results. Consider your own situation before investing. Disclaimer