We're in an exciting period, using our first fully operational semester to see just what the Center can do for our students. Although students cannot actually trade on-line using the Center's computers, they can conduct research, run analytic software and benefit from computerized educational programs that simulate a real trading floor. In essence, it's more like an electronic library where students can gain experience with industry analytic software tools and data feeds.
Students can research bond prices, economic indicators, and growth rates.
They can use a Bloomberg machine, for example, a specialized computer that allows access to corporate and government data such as management team profiles, bond ratings, and currency exchange rates and permits computation of such figures as option prices and common stock and bond yields. Reliant Energy saw a need for business graduates to acquire exposure to commodities trading, so that they can become better risk managers. The Reliant Energy Trading Center is just another way of sharpening our students' competitive edge.