CNBC Suspends Trading in 'Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge' Contest

CNBC has announced that trading in its Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge contest was suspended at 16:00 ET today for a period of one week following a technical glitch.

CNBC.com's editor, Allen Wastler said in a blog post;

"Trading in CNBC's Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge was suspended as of close of trading today at 4:00 p.m. ET for one week.

"It came to our attention that there was a technical glitch in the current trading system, which a handful of players found and exploited to jump to the top of the leaderboard. The contest accidentally allowed what our rules specifically prohibited.

"Out of fairness to all registered contestants and as is our right, according to the rules of the contest, we are suspending the contest and will restart it Sunday, October 30 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Upon relaunch, all player accounts will be reset to their opening balance. Play will begin anew for the final five weeks of the contest. All winners from the first five weeks, including this week, will retain their prizes.

"We apologize for any inconvenience, but fundamental fairness compels us to take this action."