How to
How to Use the Investment History Checker
Follow this walkthrough to pick a ticker, set dates, add a principal or contribution plan, compare scenarios side by side, read key metrics, and export CSV or PDF snapshots.
Published: December 26, 2025 · Updated: December 26, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
- Educational purposes only; not financial advice or recommendations.
- Results are illustrative and depend on your inputs and assumptions.
- Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results; market returns can be negative.
- Data quality, corporate actions, and pricing sources can affect outputs. See the Privacy Policy for data handling details.
Open the Investment History Checker
Start your first run, then add a second scenario to compare results side by side.
Quick answer
- Choose a ticker and date range.
- Add optional principal and contributions.
- Run and review total return, CAGR, and max drawdown together.
- Export a snapshot so you can compare later.
Step 1: Choose a ticker
Pick the correct listing for the market you want. Some tickers look similar across exchanges, so double check the symbol before you run the first pass. If your symbol is missing and the tool offers presets only, try a close alternative as a placeholder and note it.
Step 2: Set start and end dates
Date windows drive every result. Try one window, then a second to sanity check how sensitive the results are.
Example windows to try
- 1 year window
- 5 year window
- 10 year window
Step 3: Add principal (optional)
Principal is a one time buy illustration. It scales the ending value but does not change the percentage return. Example: £5,000 grows to £7,000 in the window—this is a £2,000 gain and a 40% total return.
Step 4: Add a contribution plan (if available)
If the tool supports contributions, set the amount and frequency to see how recurring additions change the path. If contributions are not available, treat principal as a single purchase and use separate scenarios with different windows or amounts to compare.
Step 5: Run the check
The tool loads historical prices for your dates, calculates the metrics, and renders the chart plus yearly table. Data quality can vary by source and ticker, so note any gaps or unusual moves.
Step 6: Read the key metrics
| Metric | Quick meaning | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Total return | Overall change | Can be driven by a few years |
| CAGR | Smoothed yearly rate | Hides volatility |
| Max drawdown | Worst drop | Shows pain |
See the yearly breakdown guide in how to read the yearly breakdown table and learn chart reading tips in how to read the investment growth chart.
Step 7: Use scenarios to compare
Add another scenario with a different start date, end date, or principal to see how paths differ. Label each scenario clearly so you can tell them apart in the chart and yearly table. Keep the comparison neutral and note what changes the most.
Step 8: Export results
Export daily data for spreadsheets, export the yearly breakdown for quick comparisons, and use the PDF export for a fixed snapshot you can save or share.
Common pitfalls and quick fixes
- Window too short
- Cherry picked start date
- Confusing price return with total return
- Expecting it to match a broker statement exactly
- Ignoring drawdown
- Comparing different currencies without noticing
- Missing dividends and taxes
- Mixing listings with similar names
- Corporate actions or symbol changes
- Exporting and opening with the wrong delimiter
See more in Investment History Checker common mistakes.
Next steps
- Run two more windows for the same ticker.
- Compare two tickers on the same dates.
- Export the yearly table and build a simple comparison sheet.
FAQ preview
Can results be negative?
Yes. Negative total return or drawdowns reflect declines within your chosen window.
Why does my broker differ?
Differences in fees, timing, currency, and corporate actions can change figures versus broker statements.
Does principal change the return percent?
No. Principal changes the scale of the ending value but not the percentage return.
What does max drawdown mean?
It is the largest peak to trough drop during the selected period.
How do I compare two tickers?
Run the same dates for both tickers and place the yearly tables side by side to see the differences.
Where can I learn more about exports?
See daily data export and PDF export guides.
Run your first check
Choose a ticker, set two date windows, compare scenarios, and export a snapshot you can reference later.