Plain-language explanations of the metrics, methods, and math behind measuring real investment performance.
XIRR is the most accurate way to measure real portfolio performance. Learn what it calculates, how it works, and when it matters more than simpler return metrics.
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XIRR and CAGR both express annualized returns — but they answer different questions. Learn when each applies, when they agree, and when using the wrong one leads you astray.
Two investors can hold the same fund for the same period and report completely different returns — and neither is wrong. Learn the difference between money-weighted and time-weighted returns and when each matters.
Beating the market isn't just about your return — it's about comparing the right things over the same period. Learn what a fair market comparison actually requires.
A step-by-step framework for computing your true investment return — from gathering cash flows to comparing against the right benchmark.
The return your brokerage shows may be technically accurate — and still wrong for understanding what your money actually earned. Here is what they report, what they omit, and how to get the real number.
Robinhood shows a percentage return — but it's not what you actually earned. Learn how to get your true money-weighted return from your Robinhood history.
Fidelity's performance dashboard shows time-weighted returns that don't reflect your actual financial outcome. Here's how to get your true XIRR from your Fidelity history.
Charles Schwab reports portfolio performance in several ways — none of them are XIRR. Here's what their numbers mean and how to get your real return.
Zerodha's P&L reports show realized gains, not your true investment return. Here's how to get your real XIRR from your Zerodha trading history.
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