A Saltus Grammar School team is close to a podium spot in the KPMG Investment Challenge.

But the Bermuda Bankrupters’ fourth place is still outperforming the two other Saltus teams, who are propping up the table in 19th and 20th places.

Saltus accounting and maths teacher Kalpana Gangwani, who mentors the teams, said: “Bermuda Bankrupters are doing very well — better than last year.”

But she added: “They left too much money out and didn’t invest it — they aren’t supposed to be leaving out more than $10,000.”

Ms Gangwani said: “They are all very busy and trying to do it online and on social media. It’s definitely a challenge because they’re very busy with so many activities.”

The team — whose portfolio stands at $108,862, an 8.86 per cent return — made their cash by concentrating on biochemical stocks.

Ms Gangwani said: “They did their market study and looked at the trends of shares going up and down and made their decisions.

“They’re going for bio-chemicals because that’s a field they think is booming.

“They’re looking at the figures and seeing the demand because everybody is looking for alternatives. They’re looking at the market and trades and investing in that field.”

She added: “They’re really good, capable students. They work hard and they challenge themselves.”

Bermuda Bankrupters is bested by table-toppers Tradewins from the Bermuda Institute, with $127,570 in the bank and an impressive 27.57 per cent return.

In second place, Checkerboards from CedarBridge Academy have a 10.34 per cent return on their investment and a kitty worth $110,340.

Investables, also from the Bermuda Institute, are in third spot with $109,932 in their pot and a 9.93 per cent return.

As a result of the Bermuda Bankrupters’ error, however, they will have $5,000 deducted from their total when the competition ends on April 24.

The 20 school teams were all given an imaginary $100,000 in October last year to invest in the stock market.

The Bankrupters team are senior pupils Jonathan Speight, Daniel Oatley, Kyle Eve-Townsend, Nicholas Araujo, Scarlett Brash, Danae Palanyandi and Keenan Smith.

Last year’s senior team finished ninth — leaving the Bankrupters on track for an improved position this year.