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Logarithmic y-axis please

Just a suggestion: I think it would be helpful in visualizing the performance difference between the benchmark and an algorithm if we could get log scales on the dollar axis. In particular, it would help determine relative performance difference after a gap event. For example, if algorithm moves to cash before late 2008 and the benchmark doesn't, there's now a gap. Thereafter, in linear space, if both the benchmark and algorithm perform the same on a percent basis, the gap will naturally grow. In a log scale, this is prevented since percentage gains are addition.

4 responses

Hi John, this is a good idea. We'll put it on our roadmap.

Just to make sure, by the dollar axis, do you mean the % (Y) axis?

thanks,
Jean

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Oops, yes, I meant the % axis.

Here's a concrete example I thought up to hopefully make it super clear what I mean. Suppose that fund A has fallen 20% to 80% but fund B is still at 100%, the difference in gains for an equivalent performance of 50% thereafter:

A: 80*1.5 = 120
B: 100*1.5 = 150

So it looks like B is performing better since it gained 50 against 40. In log scale,

A: log(80*1.5) = log80+log1.5
B: log(100*1.5) = log100+log1.5

So the perception is more realistic because they both gain log1.5

Makes a lot of sense, thanks.

NP