Record before the outcome
A journal should recover what you knew at decision time. Record date, instrument, context, scenario, invalidation and the reason for declining action. Separate observations from interpretation. Writing only after the session encourages a reconstruction that forgets initial uncertainty.
Separate events
Analysis, a requested order, an executed order and a closed position are different events. Give each a status and reference. Reconcile the journal with provider statements, including costs and corrections. An operation without execution evidence should not be counted as executed.
Review the method
Look for differences between the written scenario and decisions rather than collecting best outcomes. Identify missing data and incidents. The COF Desk and evidence can assist reading while preserving statement confidentiality. Do not publish account identifiers or documents containing personal information.
Separate the initial note from its correction
A reviewable journal preserves what was known when the decision was made, then adds later commentary with its date. Rewriting the first note after seeing the outcome can make the analysis appear more precise than it was.
Decisions to do nothing also deserve a record when part of the process studied. The journal can distinguish observations without an order, simulation and documented execution. An outcome should not be inferred from commentary when execution evidence is unavailable.
Prepare a concrete review
Choose a period and read the notes in order, including missing data. The educational question is whether another person can reconstruct context and changes to the hypothesis. A journal describes the process; it does not guarantee financial improvement.
Your verification grid
| Item | Document or check to request |
|---|---|
| Initial observation | Date, timezone, instrument and information available before the outcome. |
| Hypothesis | Reason for the analysis and a condition that would invalidate it. |
| Decision | Act, wait or decline; distinguish observation from a requested order. |
| Event | Execution reference, rejection or absent receipt, without publishing identifiers. |
| Review | Dated correction separate from the initial note and linked to its source. |
Practical questions
Should I erase an analysis that became wrong?
For review, retain the original note and append a dated correction. The purpose is to understand what was known when a decision was made. Silent edits make that work harder.
How can I start without an account statement?
Write a dated market observation, a hypothesis and limitations, followed by a clearly separate review. Label it an educational note without an executed order. A journal can document learning without manufacturing transactions.
To complete this file: Trading signals: what a record should contain ; Risk management: prepare questions before a trade.
Sources and limitations
COFIATRADING — offres, espace et preuves actuels. Editorial consultation: 8 October 2026. Supplier statements do not replace independent checks. Re-read terms at the time of your decision.
COFIATRADING has commercial relationships with partners presented on the site. This guide is educational, without personalised investment advice. Trading involves capital loss risk; past performance does not guarantee future results.
Continue checking: current offers and access, public evidence, Desk space and Academy resources.