How to Use the Performance Over Time Chart Widget in TradeLyser
Numbers in a KPI tile tell you where you ended; a performance over time chart shows how you got there. The TradeLyser performance chart widget (often labeled Performance Over Time, Daily Net Cumulative P&L, Equity Curve, or similar in the widget library) plots P&L progression across days or sessions so you can see trends, volatility, drawdown depth, and recovery speed. That visual context supports better reviews than staring at a single green or red figure.
Chart widgets usually require a large dashboard slot. Plan your layout in Customize your dashboard and add via Add widgets. Combine with P&L widget for the headline number and Daily performance for per-day bars. For export and tables, use Generate reports. If charts fail to render, see Dashboard not loading.
What the performance chart shows
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cumulative P&L line | Running total of net results over time |
| Time axis | Trading days or dates in selected range |
| Tooltips on hover | Exact P&L for a point or day |
| Zoom / range | Focus on segment (UI-dependent) |
| Peaks and valleys | Visual drawdown and recovery |
Some variants show equity curve style (account growth) versus cumulative net P&L from trades—read the widget title in the library before adding.
Chart types in the library (related)
| Widget name (typical) | Emphasis |
|---|---|
| Performance over time | Cumulative trend |
| Daily net cumulative P&L | Day-by-day accumulation |
| Equity curve | Balance / growth path |
| Intraday performance curve | Within-session (different widget) |
Do not stack three cumulative charts—pick one primary trend chart per template.
Add the performance chart widget
- Dashboard → Edit Layout.
- Choose a large empty slot (charts need width).
- + Add Widget → Charts category.
- Select Performance Over Time or your preferred cumulative variant.
- Wait for preview load in edit mode if supported.
- Save Layout.
Switch templates for a “analysis” board: Switch dashboard templates.
Read the chart: shape language
| Pattern | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Steady rise | Consistent profitability in range | Note risk size—smooth can still blow up later |
| Sharp drop | Drawdown period | Journal causes; check max drawdown widget |
| Flat long stretch | Breakeven or no trades | Verify date range and sync |
| Jagged zigzag | High variance | Review position sizing and stop discipline |
| Rise then flat | Edge may have stopped or size reduced | Compare to recent strategy changes |
Charts do not replace risk metrics—pair with drawdown and profit factor widgets per Interpret widget metrics.
Interactive features
| Interaction | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Hover tooltip | Precise values without reports |
| Zoom (if available) | Study crash week or rally |
| Click day (some UIs) | Drill to trades for that day |
| Date range header | Align chart with review period |
After changing account or date range on the dashboard, the chart recalculates—always note active filters when screenshotting for mentors.
Filters affecting the chart
| Filter | Effect |
|---|---|
| Custom date range | Only included days appear |
| Account | Single-account curve |
| Strategy/tags | Subset curve when supported |
Mismatch between chart endpoint and P&L widget often means different periods—align both to month-to-date for weekly review.
Performance chart vs daily vs monthly widgets
| Widget | Granularity | Best question |
|---|---|---|
| Performance chart | Continuous / daily cumulative | How smooth is my path? |
| Daily performance | Per-day bars | Which days hurt? |
| Monthly performance | Per-month bars | Which months matter? |
Use chart for path; bars for distribution.
Workflow: weekly chart review
- Set date range to last 4–8 weeks (or MTD).
- Mark deepest drawdown segment on the chart.
- Open trades for that segment (click or trades filter).
- Compare to prior stable segment—what changed (size, frequency, setup)?
- Log one rule in journal; validate next week on same chart.
- Export formal analysis via Generate reports monthly.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Chart blank | No trades in range; import/sync |
| Chart not loading | Refresh; Dashboard not loading |
| Single point only | Very few trading days |
| Looks wrong vs broker | Realized P&L definition; fees |
| Slow dashboard | One large chart per screen; remove duplicates |
| Tooltip missing | Browser zoom; try another browser |
Contact support@tradelyser.com with date range and account.
Best practices
- Reserve a large slot—squashed charts hide drawdowns.
- Use consistent date ranges week over week.
- Do not overfit to last three days on the curve.
- Pair with win rate and P&L, not instead of them.
- Remove unused charts to help performance—Remove widgets.
Frequently asked questions
Which performance chart should I add?
Start with cumulative net P&L or performance over time; add equity curve if you track balance growth explicitly.
Does the chart include today’s open P&L?
Usually closed trade economics unless variant states otherwise—check tooltip.
Can I see hourly data on this widget?
Intraday curves use different widgets (e.g. intraday performance curve).
Why does chart conflict with monthly widget?
Different aggregation (daily cumulative vs calendar month bars).
Can I export the chart image?
Use reports or screenshot; widget is interactive view.
How many chart widgets per dashboard?
One primary trend chart is enough for most traders.
Does template switch change chart type?
Each template saves its own widget choice.
Chart flat but P&L green?
Few days in range—all profit on one day looks like step, not slope.
Mobile support?
Charts may simplify on small screens; desktop for review.
Support?
Can I use two performance charts on one template?
Technically yes, but it rarely helps. Prefer one cumulative chart plus Daily performance bars.
Does the chart update during market hours?
After closed trades sync, points update; open risk may not move the cumulative line until exits.
How do I share chart context with support?
Screenshot with date range, account filter, and template name visible; email support@tradelyser.com.
Performance chart on mentee accounts
Mentors viewing mentee dashboards should read the same chart with mentee date filters applied and the same template selected. Coaching conversations improve when you reference the same drawdown segment visible on the mentee’s Performance chart rather than exporting only aggregate P&L. Ask the mentee to confirm filters before the call. Align discussion with Generate reports when precise trade lists are required.
Related guides
- P&L widget
- Win rate widget
- Daily performance widget
- Monthly performance widget
- Interpret widget metrics
- Add widgets
- Customize dashboard
- Generate reports
- Dashboard not loading
Drawdown annotation exercise (10 minutes)
On your performance chart, mark (mentally or in journal): (1) highest peak, (2) deepest trough after that peak, (3) date recovery exceeded prior peak. Note position size and trade frequency in each segment. Repeat monthly on the same chart widget and date range preset. Trends in depth and recovery time matter as much as final P&L.
Quick reference: performance chart
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Slot | Large |
| Pair | P&L KPI + daily bars |
| Range | 4–12 weeks for review |
| Issue | Dashboard not loading |
Comparing two periods on the chart
Set range to last 60 sessions, identify the best 20-session segment and worst 20-session segment visually. Export overlapping reports for each segment with identical filters. Questions to answer: Did trade count double in the worst segment? Did average loss grow? Did one symbol dominate losses? The chart motivates the question; reports supply trade-level evidence.
Accessibility and readability
Use sufficient dashboard zoom so drawdown valleys are visible. On high-DPI laptops, a cramped large widget can look smoother than reality. If tooltips are hard to trigger, widen the browser window or remove adjacent widgets per Remove widgets to give the chart horizontal space.
When to replace the chart with reports only
If your dashboard already has Daily performance and Monthly performance bars, a third cumulative chart may be redundant on a laptop screen. Some traders keep the performance chart on a review template only and use KPI tiles during the session. That layout trades live simplicity for weekend depth—switch templates rather than deleting data sources.
Help: support@tradelyser.com