Top Research Topics in Finance for High School Students

Co-authored by:
Research Mentor | Assistant Professor
by

Indigo Research Team

Published:
February 19, 2024
Last Updated:
June 25, 2025
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Is your finance assignment’s deadline just around the corner? Finding the right research topics in finance can be tricky because this is a diverse sector with so many areas to explore. In this article, we will give you some top research topics that high school students can explore.

Top Research Topics In Finance

As mentioned earlier, the field of finance is abundant in theories and practical knowledge. 

There is so much to learn when looking for research topics that one might get overwhelmed. And then comes the even more challenging part which is publishing your research paper. But you can easily learn how to publish a research paper in 5 simple steps.

Now, let us come back to our main point. We have listed some top research topics for high school students that will give you a head start in finance.

1. Personal Finance Topics

Exploring one's own money is a perfect way to get into finance research topics. It is a more accessible and efficient way of learning about finances. A basic understanding of money is crucial in grasping the more complicated concepts.

Some of the potential topics regarding personal finance projects that high school students can explore are as follows:

  • Budgeting and saving
    Research about budgeting income and saving money for financial independence. You can also analyze how it affects spending habits.
  • Credit card economy
    Investigate how cashless economies work while highlighting their merits and demerits.
  • The Importance of Saving Early
    Learn how one can survive in this economy and save early on in life to be able to afford the necessities of life.
  • The difference between banks and microfinance
    Analyze how these two are affecting the world economy

2. The World of Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is the new craze in town, and it might become the default mode of transaction in the future. So, researching crypto will not only help you get your assignment done but will also prepare you for future investments.

Some research ideas in finance you can consider are:

  • Cryptocurrency 101
    Understanding Ethereum, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies.
  • Blockchain
    Exploring the mechanism behind blockchain and how it works with crypto.
  • Profit and Loss in Cryptocurrency
    Researching the volatile nature of cryptocurrency investments.
  • Government Policies
    Investigating the legal framework and policies surrounding cryptocurrency trade and use.

an image with bitcoin.
Cryptocurrency has gained immense popularity in recent years, making it a fascinating topic to explore.

3. Basics of Stock Trading

The stock market is a critical part of any country's economy. So it is essential for young people to not only learn about it but also understand how it affects the country's economy and its citizens' personal lives.

You can also get insight into how big corporations generate profits, raise capital, and their strategies when investing in stocks. All these can serve as great research topics on finance.

Some of the key topics regarding the stock market and investment are as follows:

  • Stock Markets
    An overview of how stock markets work, including key stock exchanges like NASDAQ and NYSE.
  • Kinds of Stocks
    Differentiating between preferred and common stocks. You can also conduct a technical analysis of different types of stocks.
  • Investing in Stocks
    Strategies that will help in investing in stocks, like investment apps, etc.

4. Role of Banks and Financial Institutions

Banks are a significant part of any country's economy. They also play a vital role in the global economy and affect money circulation within economies. Banks also store cash, so they are the guardians of the world's currency. 

In some cases, they also involve a country's monetary policies. All these can serve as great research topics in finance. 

Let us divide them further:

  • Banking Services and Their Importance
    Explore various banking services like savings and checking accounts and their significance in personal finance.
  • Loans and Mortgages
    Understand different types of loans, interest rates, and the process of securing a mortgage.
  • Financial Regulation and Oversight
    Learning about the role of regulatory bodies like the Federal Reserve in overseeing banks and financial institutions.
  • Innovation in Banking
    Researching emerging trends like online banking, mobile payments, and fintech.

5. Investing and Investments

Learning the fundamentals of investing at a young age is crucial for high school students. Topics for research papers in finance for this sub-category include covering types of investments, basic concepts of investments, and the importance of starting early in life. 

Some key areas of research in this sector are:

  • Types of Investments
    A comparative research analysis between millennials and Gen Z’s investment
  • Risk Assessment in Investments
    Differentiate between high-risk and low-risk investment opportunities.
  • Investment Strategies of the Ultra-Wealthy
    Analyze the diverse portfolios of the world's billionaires and extract lessons for young investors.
  • Navigating the Digital Investment Landscape
    An in-depth analysis of emerging technologies and their impact on young investors' strategies and decisions.
A photo of a man checking stock app.
We see a trend in digital investment that likely won’t go anywhere soon. Use this topic to analyze the impact of young investors’ strategies and decisions.

6. Mutual and Hedge Funds

The world economy is becoming worse day by day as inflation is getting higher and salaries are lower. Therefore, you must learn the aspects of investment as it can ensure a financially stable future.

In this regard, mutual and hedge funds are helpful. Both of them are investment funds, but each one has different characteristics. As young adults, you will be able to learn about the importance of saving early by investing, as well as the importance of mutual and hedge funds.

Some of the projects for finance students in this regard are as follows;

  • Understanding Mutual Funds
    Basics of how mutual funds work, different types, and their benefits.
  • Introduction to Hedge Funds
    Exploring what hedge funds are, their strategies, and how they differ from mutual funds.
  • Investing in Funds for Beginners
    Guidance on how to start investing in mutual or hedge funds.
  • Risks and Regulation in Fund Management
    Understanding the risks associated with fund investments and the role of regulations in protecting investors.

Conclusion

Diving deep into the world of finance gives you a mixture of theoretical and practical knowledge. Thus, making research topics in finance an interesting subject for curious minds. 

There is so much data and real-world examples available that will help you explore and learn. And ultimately, it will help you understand the tricky economic system while helping you learn skills that are applicable in daily life. 

So, get your thinking hat on, pick any of the finance topics for research from above, and start writing your research paper that will help make a difference in the world.

If you're passionate about research and keen to delve deeper into finance, join a research program designed to nurture your passion and interests! Our upcoming IRIS program includes an economics course that allows you to explore your ideas on this topic.

Explore the IRIS Program Now
Explore the IRIS Program Now
About Co-Author
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Iva Bimpli
Dr Iva Bimpli is an academic and research mentor who holds a BSc in International Economics, a MSc in Management, an MRes in Research Methods & Methodologies and a PhD in Marketing and Business Ethics. Iva enjoys and takes pride in working with students from a wide variety of backgrounds who are passionate about conducting academic research, while excelling in their academic journey.
About the autor
Iva Bimpli
Dr Iva Bimpli is an academic and research mentor who holds a BSc in International Economics, a MSc in Management, an MRes in Research Methods & Methodologies and a PhD in Marketing and Business Ethics. Iva enjoys and takes pride in working with students from a wide variety of backgrounds who are passionate about conducting academic research, while excelling in their academic journey.
About the autor
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If you're passionate about research and keen to delve deeper into finance, join a research program designed to nurture your passion and interests! Our upcoming IRIS program includes an economics course that allows you to explore your ideas on this topic.

Explore the IRIS Program Now
Explore the IRIS Program Now

If you're passionate about research and keen to delve deeper into finance, join a research program designed to nurture your passion and interests! Our upcoming IRIS program includes an economics course that allows you to explore your ideas on this topic.

Explore the IRIS Program Now
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