What is Balance?

Updated October 17, 2026

Balance is the money in your trading account counting only closed trades, deposits and withdrawals.

Your balance ignores open trades. It updates only when something closes or you move money.

It can look fine while your open trades are deep red, so don't trust it alone.

Some bots keep losing trades open for ages so the balance looks smooth. Always compare balance with equity.

Example

You deposit $500 and close a $20 winner. Your balance is $520.

Balance or equity, which is real?

Equity is the live truth. Balance is the closed trade record.

Can balance go negative?

Rarely, after huge gaps. Negative balance protection helps on many brokers.

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