For investors
Spreadsheet, several portals or one platform
Each approach suits some investors. This table sets them side by side so you can choose what fits your portfolio.
The approaches side by side
| Spreadsheet | Several broker portals | One platform | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | You build it | Nothing to set up | You connect or import once |
| Prices | You enter them | Each portal shows its own | Read from the exchange and official sources, with a date |
| Whole-portfolio view | As complete as you keep it | You add the portals up yourself | Built from every connected brokerage account |
| Tax figures | You write the formulas | Statements give raw figures | A calculation that shows its working |
| Best suited to | A few holdings and time to maintain them | One broker and simple needs | Several brokers, or less time to spend |
None of these is right for everyone. A spreadsheet is a good choice for a small portfolio.