Reference Glossary
Trading Glossary: Common Terms & Definitions
The Trader's Glossary
Familiarize yourself with the core terminology used in financial markets. Understanding these terms is essential for following analyses and guides:
P&L (Profit and Loss)
The net financial result of a trade or trading account, showing total gains or losses after fees.
Drawdown
The peak-to-trough decline in a trading account's equity, representing the maximum cumulative loss experienced.
Win Rate
The percentage of winning trades relative to the total number of trades executed.
Profit Factor
The ratio of gross profits to gross losses. A profit factor above 1.0 indicates a profitable trading strategy.
Position Sizing
The calculation of how many shares, contracts, or lots to trade based on risk parameters and account size.