diff --git a/tests/test_algorithm.py b/tests/test_algorithm.py
index b603b1d5..d506fe1e 100644
--- a/tests/test_algorithm.py
+++ b/tests/test_algorithm.py
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ from zipline.test_algorithms import (TestRegisterTransformAlgorithm,
                                      handle_data_api,
                                      noop_algo,
                                      api_algo,
+                                     api_symbol_algo,
                                      call_all_order_methods,
                                      record_variables,
                                      record_float_magic
@@ -294,6 +295,10 @@ class TestAlgoScript(TestCase):
         algo = TradingAlgorithm(script=api_algo)
         algo.run(self.df)
 
+    def test_api_symbol(self):
+        algo = TradingAlgorithm(script=api_symbol_algo)
+        algo.run(self.df)
+
     def test_fixed_slippage(self):
         # verify order -> transaction -> portfolio position.
         # --------------
diff --git a/zipline/api.py b/zipline/api.py
index bc012ab0..9586741e 100644
--- a/zipline/api.py
+++ b/zipline/api.py
@@ -29,6 +29,15 @@ from zipline.finance.slippage import (
 
 batch_transform = zipline.transforms.BatchTransform
 
+
+def symbol(symbol_str, as_of_date=None):
+    """Default symbol lookup for any source that directly maps the
+    symbol to the identifier (e.g. yahoo finance).
+
+    Keyword argument as_of_date is ignored.
+    """
+    return symbol_str
+
 __all__ = [
     'slippage',
     'commission',
diff --git a/zipline/test_algorithms.py b/zipline/test_algorithms.py
index 3b74d70f..70b0c8ae 100644
--- a/zipline/test_algorithms.py
+++ b/zipline/test_algorithms.py
@@ -745,6 +745,17 @@ def handle_data(context, data):
     record(incr=context.incr)
 """
 
+api_symbol_algo = """
+from zipline.api import (order,
+                         symbol)
+
+def initialize(context):
+    pass
+
+def handle_data(context, data):
+    order(symbol(0), 1)
+"""
+
 call_all_order_methods = """
 from zipline.api import (order,
                          order_value,