A Beginner’s Guide to Keeping a Trading Journal: What it is and How to Use it

Trading can be a difficult yet worthwhile pursuit and having a clear idea of your trading performance is key. One of the most effective methods of doing this is by keeping a trading journal. In this article, we will explore what a trading journal is and how it can be employed to enhance your trading results.

A trading journal is a record that contains data on every trade you make, such as the trading vehicle (stock symbol), the entry and exit prices, the size of the trade, and the justification for the trade.

To begin a trading journal, you can use either a physical journal, a digital journal, or a trading journal spreadsheet. What is essential is that you are including all the pertinent information regarding each trade including any remarks or insights about the trade and the market environment when it occurred.

Once you decide on creating and/or using a trading journal, it is essential to examine it on a regular basis. Examining your prior trades can assist you in spotting patterns or strategies that have been successful or ineffective. Additionally, you can employ your trading journal to monitor your development over time and modify it as required. For instance, if you recognize that you have a tendency to make the same errors repeatedly, you can devise a plan to stay away from those errors in the future.

Using a trading journal, you can chart your performance as well as set objectives and monitor your advancement towards attaining them. For instance, you can decide to increase your trading gains by a particular amount over the following twelve months and use the journal to observe your route to achieving that goal.

Ultimately, maintaining a trading journal is a must for any trader. It can be utilized to follow your progress over a period, recognize patterns or strategies which have been effective or not, and make wiser choices in the upcoming trades. By regularly looking back at your trading journal, you can enhance your trading outcomes and hopefully reach your aspirations as a trader.

trading journal

What is a trading journal?

Trading can be a challenging and rewarding activity and it’s important to have a clear understanding of your trading performance.

One of the best ways to do this is by keeping a trading journal. A trading journal is a record of all your trades, including the date, entry and exit prices, size of the trade, and the reason for the trade.

Keeping a trading journal is an essential tool for any trader. It can help you to track your performance over time and identify patterns or strategies that have been successful or unsuccessful.

A journal can also be used to set goals and track your progress toward achieving these goals.

What is TradeBench?

TradeBench is a cost free online trading journal that you can use as much as you like in exchange for you clicking 1-2 sponsored links per month.