What you will learn
- Pivot tables
- Grouped returns
- Equity curves
- Avoid misleading chart scales
Pivot tables
Pivot tables summarize records by selected fields, but their results depend on source range, aggregation and refresh state. Check that new rows are included and that a displayed sum is not accidentally a count or an average.
Grouped returns
Group returns using consistent definitions. Averaging trade percentages is not necessarily an account return, especially with changing size or overlapping exposure. State what the statistic measures and preserve account-equity calculations separately.
Equity curves
An equity curve accumulates results under a cash-flow convention. Deposits are not trading profits. Distinguish balance from marked-to-market equity when evaluating drawdown or open risk; a closed-trade curve can hide large interim losses.
Avoid misleading chart scales
Choose chart scales and labels that expose the data honestly. A truncated axis can exaggerate small differences, while excessive smoothing can hide drawdowns. Include units, dates and the cost basis of the plotted result.
Worked example
An account begins with 1,000, earns 50 from trades and receives a deposit of 500. Ending balance is 1,550, but trading profit is 50. Treating the full 550 increase as strategy profit misclassifies the cash flow.
Try it yourself
Construct separate columns for trade P&L, deposits and withdrawals, then calculate ending balance for the example.
Show the worked solution
Ending balance equals 1,000 + 50 + 500 = 1,550. The performance report should show 50 trading P&L and 500 external contribution, with a stated method if calculating a return percentage.
Apply this to your course project
Import a sample CSV, reconcile totals and publish a documented performance worksheet.
Keep the calculation inputs, assumptions and decisions with your work. Practical exercises are self-reviewed; the scored knowledge checks assess the questions shown, not an independent certification of practical competence.