BANK OF LITHUANIA CEFER CHALLENGE

What is the CEFER Challenge? 
Inspired by the Federal Reserve Challenge in the US, the CEFER Challenge is an annual thematic team competition for university students from various academic disciplines. By presenting in front of a panel of experts, the students can learn and think outside the box about issues related to the euro area macroeconomy, the Eurosystem, and the implementation of monetary policy. 

Why Should You Participate? 

In addition to the prize money and internship opportunities, the CEFER Challenge allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems. Besides logical thinking, writing, and data analysis, skills that are under-emphasized in the classroom, such as teamwork and public speaking, can also be perfected. These skills can be used to acquire internships, prepare for graduate studies, and discover potential career paths. 

2nd CEFER Challenge—The Return of High Inflation

The 2nd CEFER Challenge encourages students to explore the economic and financial implications of high inflation in the euro area. The drivers and consequences of persistent inflation are at the center of the current policy debate, including but not limited to: 

• The supply and demand factors in the macroeconomy
• The heterogeneity of inflation in the euro area
• The distributional impacts of high inflation
• Decreasing asset prices and increasing market volatility 

We encourage you to focus on one aspect and develop a thorough understanding of its implication for monetary policy and/or financial stability. 

Format and Important Dates

A. Format. The event will consist of two rounds:

a. (Round 1) Video Submission (3 min) • 1.5 min on Why: Focusing on one aspect of the current high inflation (either drivers or consequences) in the euro area, explain intuitively to central banks and financial regulators why this aspect is important. 
• 1.5 min on Evidence: Provide brief evidence to support your argument. Data evidence is preferred, other forms of evidence are acceptable. 

*Only selected teams will enter Round 2 

b. (Round 2) Livestream Q&A (30 min) 
• 15 min presentation: Expanding on the aspect of interest and discussing its implications for monetary policy and financial stability. • 15 min Q&A: Quantitative and qualitative questions related to the presentation from the jury. 

B. Important dates (preliminary)

• Deadline to register via email 31/03/2023
• Deadline for Round 1 video submission 07/04/2023 

Prizes Winner

• (1 team): 3000 euros + Internship possibilities at the Bank of Lithuania/Nasdaq
• Runner-Up (1 team): 1500 euros + Internship possibilities at the Bank of Lithuania/Nasdaq
• Honorable Mention (1 team) 

Competition steps, scoring rubric, and additional resources.

Organizing Committee - CEFER

If you have any questions, please email: ceferchallenge@lb.lt.