The Securities Markets Analysis Research and Trading Lab provides a high-tech, real-time learning environment for E. J. Ourso College students, faculty and visitors. The SMART Lab recreates a simulated interactive trading floor that allows students the opportunity to gain experience in the fast-paced world of securities analysis, research and trading.

The lab’s 44 networked workstations allow participants to simulate real market conditions, make and analyze live decisions, and interact instantly with one and other. The lab is equipped with the latest hardware and professional analytic software, giving students significant on-the-job-style training before they leave the University. Students gain hands-on experience in portfolio construction, risk management, and financial engineering. The Lab houses the E. J. Ourso College Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) where students manage $1,000,000 of University endowment funds. The SMART Lab also allows faculty members to perform groundbreaking research in experimental economics and price-discovery theory.

The SMART Lab was furnished by LSU's Center for Applied Information Technology and Learning, through appropriated funds from the Louisiana legislature and is housed on campus in the Center for Engineering and Business Administration.