As part of a team-based challenge, I participated in the CME Group’s Derivatives Trading Simulation, where we developed and executed structured trading strategies using real-time market data. I contributed to strategy design, futures and options trading execution, and market analysis across energy and metals sectors. We implemented long butterfly spreads and straddles in response to volatility indicators such as OVX and GVX, using geopolitical news, macroeconomic data, and quantitative valuation techniques to guide our trades. Despite an overall negative return due to misjudged volatility and execution risk, this experience deepened my understanding of speculative and hedging strategies, options pricing models like Black-Scholes, and the real-world gap between theoretical and realized P&L. Key lessons included the importance of timing, disciplined risk management, and precise execution in high-volatility markets.