Guide
Investment History Checker Guide
See how the Investment History Checker helps you explore past performance for a ticker across different windows. This guide talks you through what the tool can and cannot tell you, how to read each field, and how to make sense of the results before you plug in your own scenarios.
Published: December 26, 2025 · Updated: December 26, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
- Educational purposes only; not financial advice or a recommendation.
- 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 and calculations may differ from broker statements; corporate actions and data sources matter.
- See the Privacy Policy for data handling details.
Open the Investment History Checker
Pick a ticker, set dates, and compare total return, CAGR, drawdowns, and yearly patterns side by side in a few clicks—no jargon required.
Quick answer
- Pick a ticker and a start/end date window.
- Add an optional principal or contribution plan to test scenarios.
- Read total return, CAGR, and max drawdown together.
- Use the yearly table to see how concentrated the returns are.
- Export results if you want to keep a record.
What this tool does
Think of it as a replay of a chosen investment window. The Investment History Checker pulls split adjusted daily prices for a selected ticker, clips them to your start and end dates, and calculates key metrics. It then produces a yearly breakdown with a chart so you can see how gains and drawdowns unfolded. Learn the core definition in what is an Investment History Checker.
What this tool does not do
- It does not provide financial advice or recommendations.
- It does not predict future returns.
- Dividends or distributions may not be included unless explicitly noted.
- Fees, taxes, inflation, slippage, and intraday pricing may not be included.
See common pitfalls in Investment History Checker common mistakes.
Inputs explained
| Input | What it means | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Ticker | Selected symbol to check | Choose the correct listing |
| Start date | First day in your window | Try multiple windows |
| End date | Last day in your window | Avoid cherry picking |
| Principal | One time buy illustration | Illustrative only |
| Contribution plan | Recurring additions if available | Compare scenarios |
| Scenarios | Multiple runs side by side | Label clearly |
Outputs explained
| Output | Meaning | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| Total return | Percent change over the window | Quick headline |
| CAGR | Smoothed annualised growth | Compare different lengths |
| Max drawdown | Worst peak to trough fall | Measures pain |
| Best year | Strongest calendar year | Check concentration |
| Yearly breakdown | Per year start, end, and return | See the ride |
| Chart | Visual path over time | Spot big drops |
Learn how to read the yearly breakdown in how to read the yearly breakdown table and the chart in how to read the investment growth chart.
Core formulas (simplified)
Total return (%) = ((Ending value - Starting value) / Starting value) * 100
CAGR (%) = ((Ending value / Starting value) ^ (1 / Years) - 1) * 100
Max drawdown (%) = ((Trough value - Prior peak value) / Prior peak value) * 100
Yearly return (%) = ((Year-end value - Year-start value) / Year-start value) * 100Two worked examples (illustrative)
Example 1: Single principal
Imagine ticker ABC from 2015-01-01 to 2020-12-31 with a £10,000 principal and no contributions. Suppose the ending value is £16,000. The total return is 60% and the CAGR is about 9.9% over six years. If the max drawdown shows -28%, it means the path included a steep fall even though the final outcome was higher. Looking at CAGR and drawdown together shows both pace and pain in a way that is easy to explain.
Example 2: Scenario comparison
Same ticker ABC with two windows: Scenario A starts 2012-01-01 with a £5,000 principal and no contributions. Scenario B starts 2014-01-01 with a £5,000 principal plus £100 per month contributions. If Scenario A ends at £9,000 (80% total return) but Scenario B ends at £11,500 (130% total return because of added contributions and timing), the difference shows how start date and contributions change both total return and drawdowns. Label scenarios clearly and compare the yearly tables side by side so you can point to exactly why they diverge.
These numbers are illustrative. Enter your own dates and amounts in the Investment History Checker to see real calculations that match your question.
Interpretation notes
- A few big years can dominate total return—check the yearly table to see concentration.
- Drawdowns show risk that CAGR hides; a smooth CAGR can include deep drops.
- Currency matters for cross market comparisons; results are usually shown in the data source currency.
- Short windows can mislead; compare multiple start dates to see sensitivity.
Review the yearly table guidance in how to read the yearly breakdown table and avoid common errors listed in Investment History Checker common mistakes.
Limitations and assumptions
- Data quality depends on the source and how split or price adjustments are applied.
- Corporate actions and ticker changes can shift histories; check symbol mapping.
- Dividends, fees, taxes, and inflation may not be included unless stated.
- Currency conversion is not included; results are shown in the source currency.
- Outputs can differ from broker statements because of timing, fees, or pricing conventions.
For more on scope and data handling, see the Investment History Checker FAQ and the Privacy Policy.
Next steps
- Run two or three date windows for the same ticker to see how timing shifts results.
- Compare two tickers on the same dates to spot how paths differ.
- Export the yearly breakdown for your own spreadsheet and notes.
Need a walkthrough? Read how to use the Investment History Checker.
FAQ preview
What is total return vs CAGR?
Total return is the percent change over the whole window; CAGR smooths it into an annualised rate.
Does it include dividends?
Dividends may not be included unless the data source provides them; check the notes for your ticker.
Why might results differ from my broker?
Differences in fees, timing, data sources, and corporate action handling can change figures.
What does max drawdown mean?
It is the largest drop from a prior peak to a trough during the chosen period.
Can I add contributions?
Yes, if the tool supports contribution plans; compare scenarios with and without them.
Can results be negative?
Yes. Negative total return or drawdowns reflect market declines within your window.
Where is the full FAQ?
See the full list in the Investment History Checker FAQ.
Try your own dates now
Compare multiple windows, read the yearly breakdown, and export results to keep a record.