Trading Metrics That Matter
Measure expectancy, drawdown, execution quality, and setup-specific performance.
P&L is important, but it is not enough. Useful metrics explain how the P&L was created. Track expectancy, average R, win rate, average win, average loss, max drawdown, profit factor, rule adherence, time of day, market, and setup type.
The strongest insights often come from segmentation. A trader may be profitable in ES during the open but lose money in NQ during midday. Another may have positive results on A-grade setups and negative results on B-grade trades. Aggregate numbers can hide these differences.
Metrics should lead to action. If a category consistently loses, reduce size or remove it. If a setup performs well but has poor execution, improve the entry process. Review is valuable only when it changes future behavior.