Floating Profit Is Not Banked Profit

A green floating P/L is evidence of a favorable current mark, not proof that the gain can be withdrawn. Until an OTC position is closed, its value changes with the broker's current price, spread, financing and execution conditions. In a fast market, the realized result can be materially lower than the number that appeared on screen moments earlier.

MetaTrader 5 documentation defines equity as balance plus credit, less commission, adjusted for floating profit or loss and blocked funds. Free margin is equity minus margin. This means an unrealized gain can raise displayed equity and borrowing capacity, but both can reverse if price retraces.

Follow the account bridge

The CFTC adds an important OTC detail: the customer trades against the dealer and is limited to the prices and conditions the dealer offers. That does not mean every quote is improper. It means a screenshot of floating profit is not the same object as a completed transaction or settled cash.

The distinction is timely because oil, inflation data and policy meetings are producing fast cross-market repricing. AP reported Brent above $108 on September 11 and a 10-year U.S. Treasury yield near 4.96%. A position that benefits from the first move can give back the gain when yields, risk sentiment or the dollar reverse after the next release.

A better way to record open gains

• Mark the bid for positions that must be sold and the ask for positions that must be bought back.
• Deduct accrued financing and expected commission.
• Note available market size if the position is large relative to shown liquidity.
• Keep floating gains separate from the cash-risk budget for new trades.

This 2026 forex overview offers current chart context, while MetaTrader's official account-state guide explains how the platform metrics connect. The platform guide controls the definition; the video is only interpretation.

The loop closes with one operational rule: plan from a realistic exit quote, then reconcile the fill. Floating profit becomes banked profit only after the position is closed and all charges are included.

Sources

• MetaTrader 5: equity, margin and floating P/L
• CFTC: OTC platform and execution risks
• AP: September 11 oil and market update
• FCA: disclosure of CFD costs and charges

Information checked September 11, 2026. Platform calculations can vary with broker trading conditions.