Netcentric Financial Markets Laboratory

1318 Van Munching Hall: 301-405-0914
3505 Van Munching Hall: 301-405-9724

The Netcentric Financial Markets Laboratory was launched in fall 2001 with the mission to provide world-class teaching and research opportunities in financial markets for the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.

Developed as part of the University of Maryland's Flagship Initiative in Finance and Technology, the two labs emphasize hands-on learning and utilize the latest in technology. Real-time data and analytical tools are provided by Reuters and displayed on electronic display boards and a 20-foot electronic stock ticker.

There are two financial labs in the business school. One is the "Netcentric Financial Markets Teaching Theater" (3505), the other is the "Netcentric Financial Markets Data Center (1318)". The Netcentric Financial Markets Teaching Theater is used only for teaching classes, while the Netcentric Financial Markets Data Center is open for students to do research and practice. There are 32 terminals and 64 seats in the Teaching Theater, and 16 terminals and 32 seats in the Data Center. In the financial labs, students can analyze real-time and historical data to understand financial instruments. They also are building and testing investment portfolios using professional software packages.

"The chief goal of the lab is educating our students in real-time financial concepts to increase their marketability", says Russ Wermers, assistant professor of finance and lab director. The second goal is cutting-edge faculty research studying the financial markets of the future.

The Financial Lab is the second major component of the business school’s Netcentricity Laboratory. The Net Lab’s Supply Chain Laboratory opened in 2000 and Behavioral Laboratory opened in spring 2003.

A picture of the Netcentric Financial Markets Teaching Theater, VMH3505

A picture of the Netcentric Financial Markets Data Center, VMH1318