Trading
Why good trading tools start with good records
Accurate records turn trading decisions into something you can review and improve.
A trading record shows what you did, when you did it and why. Without one, it is hard to tell whether results came from a sound method or from luck.
What to record
- Date, time, asset, side and size
- Entry price, exit price and fees
- The signal or reason behind the trade
- The result of the trade
- What you would change next time
Where algorithms help
Algorithms apply the same rules every time and can log each decision automatically. That makes it easier to compare a strategy with what actually happened.
Know the limits
Good past results do not guarantee future results, and any algorithm can lose money when market conditions change. Test carefully, manage risk and treat every tool as support for your own judgment. This article is general information and not financial advice.