Keeping track of trading activity

I was wandering how many traders out there keep detailed records about their trades in excel and to what degree. Does that help your trading and do you consider it absolutely necessary. I usually keep track of all my trades with statistics, comments, screen shots etc.

Hey Sergiu

I keep my records in excel and make backup copies of all transactions. I also print them off from my brokerage firm.

Hope this helps

Well, i keep track of my trades not as much for having a statement but rather to keep track of my performance and the statistics of my trades. It also helps me to review my trades later and see what i need to work on.

Hi again, question, what kind of records do you keep for taxes if that is the case?

Thanks

That's what i use broker statements for.

I was using excel at first to track my trades, then I started using access so I could have a screenshot of the chart associated with what made enter the trade and what made me exit. I think having a screenshot of my charts associated with my trades help me learn from my mistakes.

I am in the process of scripting a highly customizable/personalized php site, for my own personal use, which tracks trades by day, week, month, etc. i can also sort the results through different systems. it tracks each trades r:r ratio, as well as an average r:r ratio, total wins and losses, avg win and loss, and also allows you to evaluate your trades, thus being able to generate a report on what my strengths/weaknesses are. it's somewhat completed, but still needs a lot more optimization and completion.

ps: no im not trying to sell anything, just give others ideas upon how they too can improve their trading.


and yes, i do believe good organizational/record keeping skills is an essential part of your successfulness in FX

with p / l % & equity , drawdown, dailly + a lil bit footnote when something big happening. with mt4 just ask a report from the system to a .htm file which is rarely being seen