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Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

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

Prices not updating​

If current prices stay blank or outdated after running Update prices:

  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 without fetching any portfolio data. For options, you need at least an "Options Starter" subscription from Massive.com to fetch live prices.
  2. Check asset symbols for accuracy (e.g., "BTC" for Bitcoin).
  3. For equities, refresh the page to get the latest GOOGLEFINANCE value. You can also set your spreadsheet's recalculation to On change and every minute (File > Settings > Calculation).

API errors or rate limits​

If you see errors like "API key invalid" or "Rate limit exceeded":

  1. Regenerate the API key from the provider (CoinMarketCap or Massive.com), then update it in the ⚙️ Settings dialog (External API keys section) and save.
  2. For rate limits, wait a few minutes before refreshing prices again, or upgrade to a plan with higher limits.

Calculation errors in trades​

If you see incorrect P/L, unmatched trades, or #ERROR! in cells:

  1. Review the entries in your Transactions sheet for accuracy (dates, quantities, prices).
  2. Ensure your base currency is set correctly in the ⚙️ Settings dialog.
  3. For tax calculations, verify the rates in the Configuration sheet match your jurisdiction.
  4. Run Generate Trades after your fixes.
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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​

If daily snapshots aren't being taken:

  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 the assets have Take snapshot checked in the Configuration sheet.
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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​

If Dashboard charts aren't updating or show incorrect data:

  1. Adjust Lookup days or Num assets in the Dashboard tab of the ⚙️ Settings dialog.
  2. Ensure snapshots are current and the assets you expect 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, fill the "value", "shares", and "price" columns of those older rows with "0".

#N/A returned from CURR_RATE_AT custom function​

The =CURR_RATE_AT(<currency>, <date>) formula relies on GOOGLEFINANCE, which is unfortunately not always reliable. If it returns #N/A:

  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 (found in the ⚙️ Settings dialog → App information tab) and details when contacting support.