AutoTracker Errors

[tsptalk]

I get this question a few times a year, so if anyone is curious, here's a quick example of why you can't add returns to get a total...

If you were down 50% for the year going into today, and today you were up 100%, your account would not be up 50% (-50% + 100%). It would be 0% (even).

start = $10,000
-50% = $5,000 (lost 1/2 of account)
+100% = $10,000 (you doubled half of your original money).

 

[coolhand]

It's correct CH. I'll show the math if you'd like.

I never paid that close of attention before. I'll take your word for it.

 

[tsptalk]

I don't usually see any issues, but tonight I noticed that I had a gain of 2.72%, but my actual YTD return only advanced 2.45%.

Tom, I'm having a tough enough time as it is without being scalped!

It's correct CH. I'll show the math if you'd like.

 

[tsptalk]

I'll take a look. But before I get to it, are you sure you are not trying to add your returns?

Here is the formula...

100 * (1 + yearly return as of COB 7/12) * (1 + 7/13 daily return)-100)/100

You can't just add them i.e.: (yearly return as of COB 7/12) + (7/13 daily return)

 

[coolhand]

I think the error reported may have bee a false alarm. I think I see what they thought was happening.

The timing was impecible as I haven't had an error reported in a long time, but the day after I make a major change to the code I get one. Scared me, but I think we're OK.

I will verifiy though as I am waiting to hear back from the person who reported the issue.

I don't usually see any issues, but tonight I noticed that I had a gain of 2.72%, but my actual YTD return only advanced 2.45%.

Tom, I'm having a tough enough time as it is without being scalped!

 

[tsptalk]

I think the error reported may have bee a false alarm. I think I see what they thought was happening.

The timing was impecible as I haven't had an error reported in a long time, but the day after I make a major change to the code I get one. Scared me, but I think we're OK.

I will verifiy though as I am waiting to hear back from the person who reported the issue.

 

[tsptalk]

Hi -

Please be on the lookout for any problems you may notice on the AutoTracker. The TSP's new website format changed the share price layout slightly, so I had to make several changes to the code.

I've already had one reported problem, but I'm usually good for a few more.

Please either post the error here (along with the page URL, http://...), or PM or email me.

Thanks!
Tom