Validate imported trade records first
Imported rows can differ by broker format, naming conventions, and how adjustments are represented. Confirm the position details before relying on the data in reviews.
- Ticker symbols and option contract details (strike/expiry/right)
- Entry and exit timestamps (especially timezone assumptions)
- Quantity and contract multipliers
- Fees/commissions handling
- Assignment/exercise or roll events
Add the context imports do not provide
Most broker exports will not include your trade thesis, risk plan, or decision notes. Add those fields after import so future reviews can evaluate process quality, not just P&L.
| Imported automatically (varies) | Add manually for review quality |
|---|---|
| Contract details, fills, quantities | Entry thesis and invalidation |
| Order timestamps and prices | Setup tags and market context |
| Fees or commissions | Execution notes and deviations |
| Position close/open states | Improvement notes for next week |
Reconcile before the weekly review
Schedule a short import reconciliation block before the weekly review checklist. This avoids reviewing trades with missing tags or incomplete notes.
Related guides
After import reconciliation, use tags and notes and then run an options performance review.
FAQ
Can imports replace journaling?
Imports reduce manual entry but usually do not capture decision context. You still need notes and tags to support review.
What if my broker export format changes?
Re-check your validation list and update your import checklist. Consistent review fields matter more than a fixed raw file format.