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Monitoring Positions and the Account Window

Lesson 1 of 12
Duration 4:14
Level Beginner
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The Monitor panel houses as many Watchlists as you want to build but is also home to the system-generated Portfolio page. This contains a real-time view of your overall account and can easily be configured. You can also see live P&L, liquidity and margin requirements at the top of the page.

Use the Account Picker dropdown menu to select a single account, a Group of accounts or a Model Portfolio to isolate the display to that source.

The column display can be configured by right-clicking on any column header. Select Manage Columns and select data from the groups to the right and add them to the Shown columns in the middle. Click OK when done.

Right-click on the Financial Instrument column to choose the order in which you want to see the Portfolio page display. You may group the display by instrument, long, short, industry and sector.

You can quickly close a position from the Portfolio tab.

You will notice that the Position value changes when interacting with the Account Picker. Note in the Position column the overall position is displayed when All is selected, while when choosing an individual account, the position value changes.

 

To close the position, determine whether to use one, a group or all accounts and then right-click on the symbol and you will see a floating pop-up menu containing Buy and Sell buttons. Click Close Position.

Note that in the Order Entry panel, the background turns red to denote the sale of the position, while the quantity field also matches the position size. Change the order type and price as necessary and click submit to create an order confirmation page. Click Transmit when ready.

At the top right of the Portfolio tab is an Account button, which is a shortcut to the Account Window. You can also access the same from the Account menu in the upper left of the screen, where you can also log in to the Account Management home area, also known as Advisor Portal.

Click on the Account button on the Portfolio tab. You will notice two tabs – one for Account and one for a Summary view. You will also notice that at the top left is an Account Picker dropdown menu. Here you may isolate a single account, a group of accounts or those accounts invested in a specific Model.

On the Account tab, there are six data views, and to the left is an arrow to expand and contract that view. Those different views are Balances, Margin Requirements, Funds Available for Trading, Real and Virtual FX positions and finally the Portfolio view.

The Summary tab displays Balances by account above and Market Value for each account below. Under the Balances area you will see the account number and account type of each of your client’s accounts.

And you will see two columns displayed for NLV – one for Stocks and one for Commodities. The sum of the two is displayed in the Net Liquidation Value column.

The Buying Power of each account is displayed and is determined by account type. Finally, the percentage of Excess liquidity in Stocks and Commodities accounts is combined in the far-right column.

Below in the Market Value area, you can see Cash positions available along with the real-time value of open positions across different asset classes displayed. Here you can also see unrealized P&L values associated with each account.

There is a lot of possible information and fields that an Advisor can add to the Portfolio tab to help make their lives easier. Don’t forget to use the shortcut button to the Account window to quickly look-up clients’ buying power and available balances.

Join The Conversation

If you have a general question, it may already be covered in our FAQs. If you have an account-specific question or concern, please reach out to Client Services.

6 thoughts on “Monitoring Positions and the Account Window”

  • Ash

    My close button is missing when I had it before. What happened? How can I restore this?

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello Ash, we hope the problem has been resolved. If not, please call or create a web ticket for Client Services. Client Services can also assist in closing positions if necessary. http://spr.ly/IBKR_ClientServices

  • Gabriel

    I can’t see the Position tab on the Quote details on my mobile app, how can I retrieve or see it?

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello Gabriel, thank you for asking. The Position tab in Quote Details on the IBKR Mobile app allows you to view details of any position you hold in that instrument.
      If you don’t see the Position tab, it likely means you don’t currently hold a position in that instrument. To view and manage your positions, go to the Portfolio page.
      Some things to check:
      Make sure you have the latest version of the IBKR Mobile app.
      Confirm you actually hold a position in that specific instrument. The Position tab will only appear if you have an open position.
      Try force quitting and reopening the app if you think there is an error.
      If you still cannot view the Position tab, please contact Client Services for additional assistance: http://spr.ly/IBKR_ClientServicesCampus

  • Anonymous

    Hello

    I want to know is there an option in the system (IBKR desktop) that when it generates a report I can see the date/time I open the position and closed it? I made a custom statements but when browsing for the default section i could find the work CLOSE POSITION in the options

    Thanks

    • Interactive Brokers

      Thank you for reaching out. To see execution, you must run a daily activity statement and click on open positions. Then when you click on the symbol you can see the details. To run the statement: https://www.interactivebrokers.com/faq?id=27290344
      We hope this answers your question!

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Disclosure: Interactive Brokers

The analysis in this material is provided for information only and is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. To the extent that this material discusses general market activity, industry or sector trends or other broad-based economic or political conditions, it should not be construed as research or investment advice. To the extent that it includes references to specific securities, commodities, currencies, or other instruments, those references do not constitute a recommendation by IBKR to buy, sell or hold such investments. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Interactive Brokers, its affiliates, or its employees.

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