Noob Question Please Help!

[brobertson1346]

The crux of my issue is that my realized Profit/Loss is not affecting my Account Value. I have a decent general understanding of options but this is confusing me.

To make a simpler example of what I'm talking about, I just opened a demo account from same site and did two quick trades. I copied a picture of the account dashboard here.

But basically, I sold a Facebook call for $1.05 and then bought it back to close a few minutes later at $1.10. I also bought a Penn call for $3.25 and quickly closed it at $2.99. All told a loss of -$31 which is reflected on the left side of the screen where is says "Realized P/L Today: -$31.00".

What I don't get is that my account value (top right of the page) never changed from $100,000 even after the realized gain/loss. For the life of me I cannot figure out why. Please help haha

 

[Overnight]

Maybe the paper trading engine will calculate the new account value after the market closes...or after Midnight tonight?

 

[brobertson1346]

Is that typical? Also, thanks for the reply. Posted in multiple forums and have pretty much just been made fun so far lol

 

[brobertson1346]

Like if all of the positions have been closed, I really don't understand why the account value wouldn't reflect any profit/loss

 

[xandman]

What you see is just a front end. There are some procedures that may need to be completed before posting. I think OptionsHouse used to be like that.

Give them a call. We will make fun of you next time.

 

[brobertson1346]

Are you referring to the actual settlement of the options? Meaning, the P/L wouldnt be reflected in the account value until the settlement date...?

 

[murray t turtle]

The crux of my issue is that my realized Profit/Loss is not affecting my Account Value. I have a decent general understanding of options but this is confusing me.

To make a simpler example of what I'm talking about, I just opened a demo account from same site and did two quick trades. I copied a picture of the account dashboard here.

But basically, I sold a Facebook call for $1.05 and then bought it back to close a few minutes later at $1.10. I also bought a Penn call for $3.25 and quickly closed it at $2.99. All told a loss of -$31 which is reflected on the left side of the screen where is says "Realized P/L Today: -$31.00".

What I don't get is that my account value (top right of the page) never changed from $100,000 even after the realized gain/loss. For the life of me I cannot figure out why. Please help haha

View attachment 240780

%%
bro13/50
Sounds like they are trying to help you; + next time don't try to trade options for a quick 10% loss................................................................................................................

 

[brobertson1346]

Lol what do you mean by that? 13/50? And im not trying to like flip options quick...I just opened a demo account and did those trades to show it as an example

 

[Overnight]

Lol what do you mean by that? 13/50? And im not trying to like flip options quick...I just opened a demo account and did those trades to show it as an example

Just wait, and check it tomorrow at 0930 Eastern Time.

 

[rubinageniro]

I think you should wait to see what happens the next day.