Why your return is different from your broker app
If Metrifly’s return doesn’t match the number in your broker’s app, that’s usually expected — and your data is fine. The two are measuring different things. This explains the common reasons and what, if anything, you need to check.
The most likely reason
Section titled “The most likely reason”Broker apps usually show a simple “your price went up X%” figure. Metrifly’s return is fuller, so it will often read differently. Metrifly:
- includes dividends, franking credits, and distributions, not just price;
- separates out currency movement on your overseas holdings;
- accounts for when you invested (money-weighted), not just the start and end prices;
- keeps realised gains from shares you’ve already sold in your total return.
Add those together and you usually get a higher, more complete return than a broker app’s price-only number — especially for dividend-paying or foreign holdings.
Other reasons it can differ
Section titled “Other reasons it can differ”| Cause | How to tell | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Dividends counted | Your holdings pay dividends or distributions | Metrifly includes income (grossed up for franking); your broker app may not. This is expected. |
| Currency movement | You hold foreign-currency shares | Metrifly splits price gain from currency gain. A broker app may show the gain in the local currency only. |
| Timing of contributions | You added money at different times | Metrifly is money-weighted, so when you invested matters — not just start and end prices. |
| Realised gains kept in | You’ve sold part of a holding | Metrifly keeps the profit on sold shares in your total return; some apps drop it once you sell. |
| Different prices | Small dollar differences on a given day | Metrifly and your broker use different market-data providers, which can price a stock or exchange rate slightly differently. The method is the same; the input prices differ. |
| Different date range | The percentages are close but not equal | Make sure both are showing the same period — Metrifly’s date range bar and your broker’s range may not match. |
Still not sure?
Section titled “Still not sure?”If the difference looks too large to explain, check these first:
- Confirm both views cover the same date range.
- Make sure your trades and dividends are all imported and confirmed — a missing trade or unconfirmed dividend will shift the number.
- Read How your return is calculated to see exactly what’s included.
If it still doesn’t add up, contact support with your portfolio name, the date range, the two figures you’re comparing, and where each came from.