1. Trade Details

This section records the essential information about each trade. It includes the exact entry and exit points, which indicate the price levels at which the trade was opened and closed. The trade date and time help track when the trade was executed, which can be useful for analyzing patterns across different time frames. The asset traded refers to the financial instrument involved, such as a stock, forex pair, cryptocurrency, or commodity. Position size represents the number of units, shares, or contracts involved in the trade. Finally, the trade direction specifies whether the trade was a buy (long position) or a sell (short position).

2. Rationale

The rationale explains the reasons behind entering and exiting a trade. It includes the trade setup, which refers to the specific strategy or pattern observed before placing the trade. Understanding the market conditions is also crucial; traders must determine whether the market is trending, ranging, or experiencing high volatility. Technical indicators, such as moving averages, RSI (Relative Strength Index), MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence), and Bollinger Bands, may provide signals that influence the decision. Additionally, fundamental factors, such as economic news, earnings reports, or geopolitical events, can impact asset prices and play a significant role in trade execution.

3. Emotions & Psychology

This section helps traders understand how their emotions influence decision-making. Pre-trade emotions refer to feelings experienced before entering a trade, such as confidence, hesitation, or impulsiveness. During-trade emotions involve any reactions while the trade is active, such as anxiety, excitement, or fear of loss. Post-trade emotions describe how the trader felt after closing the trade—whether they were satisfied, frustrated, or neutral. Recognizing psychological patterns can help traders identify emotional biases, such as fear of missing out (FOMO) or revenge trading, which can negatively affect their performance.

4. Performance Metrics

This section evaluates the trade’s outcome using quantitative data. Profit/Loss (P&L) measures the financial result of the trade in absolute terms and as a percentage of the account balance. The risk/reward ratio compares potential profit versus potential loss (e.g., a 2:1 ratio means risking $50 to make $100). The win/loss ratio calculates the percentage of successful trades compared to losing trades over a period of time. Average holding time refers to how long a trader kept a position open before closing it. Slippage and fees track the difference between expected and actual execution prices, along with any broker commissions, which can affect profitability.

5. Screenshots & Charts

including visual references is essential for effective trade analysis. Pre-trade charts capture market conditions at the time of entry, allowing traders to review the reasoning behind their decisions. Post-trade charts display how the trade played out, helping traders assess whether their strategy worked. Marking key levels, such as support and resistance zones, trend lines, or technical patterns, provides additional insight into market behavior.By maintaining a well-documented trading journal, traders can identify mistakes, refine their strategies, and improve their overall performance over time. Would you like a structured template to use for your journal?