'Energy surge': revamped finance lab immerses students in financial data and market conditions
This updated space displays real-time market data, gives students access to financial software, enhances experiential learning opportunities, and builds in-demand skills for students interested in finance. Masu.
Posted by: Megan Kita
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 10:25am
Students will take classes in the newly renovated Finance Lab.Photo credit: Christy Morris
Head to the ground floor of the Ettinger Building to tour the newly renovated Finance Lab. The lab is equipped with a financial ticker and a built-in computer running the financial trading program StockTrak and the investment analysis platform Morningstar Direct. Lindsay Nagy, associate professor in the Department of Economics and chair of the Department of Accounting, Business, Economics and Finance, said the updated space reflects an investment from the university that will allow students to become more involved in the industry.
“Students will strengthen their analytical and decision-making skills in a relatively risk-free environment while building and maintaining hypothetical portfolios. Provide access to data on current and historical financial, industry, and macroeconomic conditions. This allows you to analyze trends, make predictions, and understand how multiple situational factors impact the market, all of which influence your decisions and investment strategies.” says Nagy. “Ultimately, these experiences should increase the amount of human capital students have and improve their employability in the job market.”
“Students and faculty are excited about the new space. This space and the financial tools and resources it houses have brought a surge of energy to our program.”
Muhlenberg gained campus-wide access to StockTrak last fall, and it is being used in multiple classes, Nagy said. Morningstar His Direct access will begin this semester, and Nagy expects its use to expand further at the beginning of next school year. The Finance program is committed to establishing learning objectives specific to Finance Lab resources. This allows finance students to work towards mastering introductory skills as they progress through their major.
“Faculty were eager to experiment with tools and how best to integrate data into their lectures and assignments. Students began projects that required them to obtain financial data and review Morningstar analyst reports. “We were enthusiastic about doing that,” Nagy said, noting that accounting and economics faculty also use the software. “Students and faculty are excited about the new space. This space and the financial tools and resources it houses have brought a surge of energy to our program.”
