CIBC Investor’s Edge online brokerage, in association with AOL Canada Inc., today announced the launch of the CIBC Investor’s Edge Market Challenge. The contest provides experienced and novice investors with a risk-free opportunity to hone their skills by trading $100,000 worth of stocks using virtual money.

A total of $25,000 in prizes will be awarded during four rounds of competition, including a $10,000 grand prize.

“We hope this provides our CIBC investors, and all online Canadians, with an opportunity to test new waters in online investing, while having some fun at the same time,” said Art Mannarn, president and COO, CIBC Investor’s Edge, in a release.

The challenge is designed to introduce Canadians currently engaged in online banking to a broader range of products, tools and skills, including purchasing and selling stocks, mutual funds and fixed income investments.

By working with AOL Canada, the CIBC says the challenge is able to reach nearly 40% of Canadians who are online.

Launching today, the CIBC Investor’s Edge Market Challenge will have four separate rounds with the last round beginning in November. Round one will act as an introductory round and will last for two weeks, with the following three rounds lasting for four weeks each, offering additional chances to invest and win. Contest entrants may choose the number of rounds to play. The best performing portfolio from all four rounds is eligible to win the $10,000 grand prize. There will also be a random draw every week, with a chance to win either an iPOD Mini or a one-year AOL Max Internet software subscription.

The CIBC Investor’s Edge Market Challenge will be promoted across Canada through AOL properties and the AOL Finance Channel within the AOL service. Other properties within the AOL Media Network that will be promoting the contest include: The AOL Canada Service, AOL.ca & AOL.qc.ca and CNNMoney.com.