The SMART Lab is a state-of-the-art financial lab offering students and faculty access to real-time financial data, professional research tools and leading analytic software. It also functions as a high-tech, hands-on classroom.

What does “SMART” stand for?

Securities Markets Analysis, Research and Trading

Who can use the SMART Lab?

LSU students and faculty researching or applying financial concepts will find the tools they need in the SMART Lab.

What software programs are in the SMART Lab?

Bloomberg (News & Quotes, Markets Information, Equities, Fixed Income, Currencies, Portfolio Analytics, Mutual Funds, Economic Information),

FactSet (News & Quotes, Company Information, Economic Data, Portfolio Analysis),

Crystal Ball (Monte Carlo Simulation),

Ibbotson (Asset Allocation, Style Analysis, Building Efficient Frontiers), and

FTS (Trading software).

What is the Bloomberg Certification?

The Bloomberg Certification is a program offered by Bloomberg to educate professionals and students on the capabilities and functionality of Bloomberg. Through its curriculum of eight courses, students learn how to use Bloomberg and the data and analytics available to them on the Bloomberg terminal.

How do I become Bloomberg Certified?

Students can complete the Bloomberg Certification by registering for a username and password on one of the two Bloomberg terminals in the SMART Lab, watching the eight videos on a Bloomberg terminal and passing eight corresponding exams. Videos range in length from 22 minutes to 50 minutes. Students may start the program, watch the videos and take the exams during normal SMART Lab hours. The SMART Lab also offers set times to watch the videos during each semester for students who want a “scheduled” Bloomberg Certification class.

What is the Tiger Fund and how can I participate?

The Tiger Fund is a Student Managed Investment Fund. Students enrolled in FIN 3845 and FIN 7845 actively manage $500,000 of LSU’s endowment. Currently the Tiger Fund holds 36 of the 100 companies in its universe, including Johnson & Johnson, ConocoPhillips, Caterpillar and Wal-Mart. It has outperformed its benchmark since its inception in February 2005.

Students must go through an application and interview process to be selected for the classes.

What are the hours for the SMART Lab?

Our hours are typically 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the semester. The lab is closed while class is in session Mondays from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., selected Tuesdays from 4:30 until 6:00 and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m.until 3:00p.m.

What is the telephone number for the SMART Lab?

225-578-0073