Trading Journal Examples
Standard journal examples track P&L. These examples track rule compliance. Each entry shows exactly what a prop firm trader needs to log to avoid unknowing violations.
What Makes a Prop Firm Journal Different
A standard journal entry records entry, exit, size, and P&L. A prop firm journal adds 5 critical fields: daily P&L vs daily limit, drawdown buffer remaining, drawdown floor movement, holding duration vs firm rules, and news proximity check. These 5 fields are the difference between knowing your performance and knowing your compliance.
Vigil automates all 5 compliance fields. Import your trades via CSV or broker sync, and every entry is automatically checked against your firm rules. No manual rule tracking needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should a prop firm trading journal include?
A prop firm trading journal must track: entry/exit prices, position size, stop loss, take profit, the specific firm rules that apply, daily P&L vs daily loss limit, cumulative drawdown vs max drawdown, and any rule violations. Standard journals track P&L only. Prop firm journals must track compliance.
How often should I journal trades on a prop firm?
Every trade, every day. On prop firm accounts, a single untracked violation can terminate your account. Journal after each trade or use auto-import to capture trades automatically. Review your journal at end of each session to check for rule proximity.
Can I use a spreadsheet as a trading journal?
Yes, but spreadsheets do not know your firm rules. A spreadsheet cannot alert you when your daily loss is at 80% of the limit or when your trailing drawdown floor moved. For basic tracking, a spreadsheet works. For prop firm compliance, you need a tool that understands the rules.
What is the best trading journal format?
The best format depends on your trading style. Day traders benefit from per-session journals with daily P&L summaries. Swing traders need multi-day position tracking. For prop firm traders, the format must include rule compliance columns -- daily loss remaining, drawdown buffer remaining, and holding duration vs firm limits.