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Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

This page covers common issues you may encounter with the tradeGIST add-on and provides step-by-step solutions. If you can't resolve an issue, check the FAQ or report it via the add-on's help menu.

Prices not updating​

  • Symptoms: Current prices remain blank or outdated after running "Update prices."
  • Causes: Incorrect API keys, invalid symbols, or API limits.
  • Solutions:
    1. Verify your API keys in the ⚙️ Settings dialog → External API keys section (CoinMarketCap for crypto, Massive.com for options). The Test button next to each key checks it with a single lightweight request (no portfolio data fetched). For options, ensure you have at least an "Options Starter" subscription (or superior) from Massive.com to fetch live snapshot prices.
    2. Check asset symbols for accuracy (e.g., "BTC" for Bitcoin).
    3. Run "Update prices" manually and wait for completion.
    4. For equities, refresh the page to get the latest GOOGLEFINANCE value. GOOGLEFINANCE updates prices approximately every minute. You can also set your spreadsheet setting "recalculation" to "On change and every minute".
  • Example: If BTC prices don't update, confirm your CMC API key is active and the symbol is "BTC".
  • Prevention: Test API keys periodically and avoid exceeding rate limits.

API errors or rate limits​

  • Symptoms: Error messages like "API key invalid" or "Rate limit exceeded."
  • Causes: Expired keys, incorrect setup, or high usage.
  • Solutions:
    1. Regenerate API keys from the provider (CoinMarketCap or Massive.com).
    2. Update the keys in the ⚙️ Settings dialog (External API keys section) and save.
    3. Reduce update frequency or upgrade to paid API plans for higher limits.
  • Example: If Massive.com returns a rate limit error, wait a few minutes or switch to a higher limit subscription.
  • Prevention: Monitor usage on provider dashboards and refresh prices at reasonable intervals.

Calculation errors in trades​

  • Symptoms: Incorrect P/L, unmatched trades, or #ERROR! in cells.
  • Causes: Data entry mistakes, mismatched currencies, or formula issues.
  • Solutions:
    1. Review trade entries in the Transactions sheet for accuracy (dates, quantities, prices).
    2. Ensure your base currency is set correctly in the ⚙️ Settings dialog.
    3. Run "Generate trades" after fixes and check for errors.
    4. For tax calculations, verify rates in Configuration match your jurisdiction.
  • Example: If a sell trade shows wrong gains, confirm the buy trades are entered and matched via FIFO/LIFO.
  • Prevention: Double-check entries in your Transactions sheet.
info

It's possible for an asset to increase in value (e.g., TSLA went from $200 to $250), but if the currency conversion rate decreased during the same period, it could result in an overall negative ROI and a loss for the trade.

Snapshot failures​

  • Symptoms: No daily snapshots or errors in logs.
  • Causes: Automated snapshots disabled, incorrect hour setting, or permission issues.
  • Solutions:
    1. Confirm Automated snapshots is enabled and the Daily snapshot hour is a valid 24-hour time in the ⚙️ Settings dialog (and that your changes are saved).
    2. Ensure assets have "Take snapshot" checked.
  • Example: If snapshots miss at 9 AM, verify Automated snapshots is on and the hour is set to 9.
  • Prevention: Test snapshots manually and review logs for patterns.
info

The snapshot hour is set in GMT. Adjust for your timezone (e.g., 16:00 in New York is 20:00 or 21:00 GMT depending on daylight saving).

Chart display problems​

  • Symptoms: Charts not updating or showing incorrect data.
  • Causes: Configuration mismatches or data issues.
  • Solutions:
    1. Adjust "Lookup days" or "Num assets" in the Dashboard tab of the ⚙️ Settings dialog.
    2. Ensure snapshots are current and assets are included.
    3. Ensure every cell in the Snapshot sheet has a value. If you started trading an asset after your earliest snapshots were taken, make sure that the "value", "shares", and "price" columns for those older rows contain a "0". Fill in any blank cells with "0" manually.
  • Example: If the ROI chart misses assets, increase "Num assets" in the Dashboard tab of the ⚙️ Settings dialog.
  • Prevention: Keep Configuration settings aligned with your portfolio size.

#N/A returned from CURR_RATE_AT custom function​

Under the hood, the =CURR_RATE_AT(<currency>, <date>) formula relies on GOOGLEFINANCE, which is unfortunately not always reliable and consistent.

If #N/A is returned by the =CURR_RATE_AT(<currency>, <date>) formula:

  1. Try refreshing the page to see if the value updates.
  2. Change the date to one day later, wait for the new value, then revert to the correct date—hopefully the value appears.
  3. If neither works, manually enter the conversion rate for that specific date.

General tips​

  • Backups: Regularly make a backup copy of your sheet (File > Make a copy) to avoid data loss.
  • Updates: The add-on updates automatically — Google rolls out new versions to your installation, so there's nothing for you to do.
  • Support: For unresolved issues, provide your support key (which you can find in the ⚙️ Settings dialog → App information tab) and details when contacting support.

If these steps don't help, refer to the FAQ.