Copy Link

Add to Bookmark

Report

Graphics Program

eZine lover (@eZine)

Published in

Capital Gainz

· 27 Jul 2023

Chapter 19 - Graphics Program

The Capital Gainz Graphics Program lets you graph the data you've recorded in Capital Gainz. You can get to the Graphics Program from Capital Gainz, or start it from the DOS command line:

   CGGRAPH

19.1 Generating Graphs

Like Capital Gainz, the Graphics Program is easy to use:

Select the item to be graphed and the date range.
The selected data is processed. The time required depends on the number and complexity of the items. For instance, requesting a price graph for one security for a one year period will be fast, but requesting the performance charts for a large, active portfolio can take a couple of minutes.

===>>> o Based on the range of values and screen size, the Graphics Program calculates appropriate scaling factors. For instance, if a security's price ranges from $10 to $20 between the specified dates, then the price axis of the graph will only go from $9 to $21. Similarly, the width of bars in bar charts will be small enough to include as many as possible on one screen. You aren't required to specify vertical and horizontal increments or values. Instead, the Graphics Program calculates the best ranges, and scales the values accordingly. This lets you focus on the output, rather than the setup.

The graph is displayed.

These keys are displayed at the bottom of the screen (you can toggle the status line on/off with Enter):

More: show the previous or next screen, for multi-screen output.
PgUp:Prev, PgDn:Next: graph the previous or next security or portfolio.
Ctrl-P:Print: print the graph.
Esc:Exit: exit from the graph so you can select another security or portfolio.

19.1.1 Viewing Graphs

Some graphs may require multiple screens. If so, you can scroll through them as indicated at the bottom of the screen:

===>>> o More: If preceded by a left arrow on the bottom left, then you can use the Left Arrow key to scroll to the previous screen. If followed by a right arrow on the bottom right, then you can use the Right Arrow key to scroll to the next screen.

Also, there are the following shortcut keys:

===>>> o PgUp:Prev, PgDn:Next: Generate the same graph for the previous or next security or portfolio.

For graphs that require multiple screens, PgUp:Prev is only displayed on the first screen, and PgDn:Next on the last screen. However, you can use them at any time.

19.1.2 Printing Graphs

To print the displayed graph, hit the Print key. Then select the output destination:

Printer: print the graph to your printer, using the current printer settings.
File: print the graph to a file, after first specifying a file name. If you specify a file with a .PCX extension, the file is printed in PCX format. Otherwise, it's printed in the currently selected printer's format. If you change your mind and don't want to print, leave the file name blank.

PCX files let you store your graphs for quick viewing, using the View File option from the Main Menu or a graphics viewer such as CompuShow.

The bottom line is erased while printing, since the print routines grab the entire screen. It's redisplayed when the graph has been transferred to the output device.

19.2 Initialize

When you start up the Capital Gainz Graphics Program for the first time, you must select your adapter and printer type from tables. The program inspects your hardware and highlights the apparent adapter type, but you should verify it. These choices can be changed later from the User Settings Form.

The Graphics Program works best with color monitors, since it's easier to distinguish multiple items on graphs.

19.3 Graphics Menu

[[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

The Graphics Menu offers the following choices:

Price Graphs - generate line charts of security prices.
Total Return - generate area charts that break down the price and distribution components of a security.
Portfolio Allocation - generate pie charts showing portfolio allocation.
Security Cost/Value - generate bar charts showing the cost and value of securities in a portfolio.
Your Performance - generate pie charts showing your performance for securities in a portfolio.
User Settings - modify various graph parameters, such as colors and fill type.
Exit - exit from the Graphics Program. Esc will not exit from the Main Menu.

At the top of the menu, the current version number is displayed. At the bottom, the remaining conventional memory is displayed. A warning is issued if you get low on memory.

Function keys at the bottom of the screen are:

Enter - select the highlighted choice.
F7:Capital Gainz - switch to Capital Gainz.
F8:Utilities - switch to the Capital Gainz Utility Program.
F10:GoTo DOS - suspend the Graphics Program and invoke the DOS Shell.

19.4 Common Screens

The common forms and tables used in the Graphics Program are described in this section. Later sections will refer back to here.

19.4.1 Date Range

The Select Date Range key on the forms lets you restrict the graphs to data within a specified range of dates. The Date Form is described in Chapter 6. A date range stays in effect until it is explicitly changed.

19.4.2 Global Securities Form

Some graphs require you to select one or two global securities. [[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

The Global Securities Form accepts:

(Required) The Global Symbol of the first security to graph. If you leave this blank or enter an invalid symbol, the Global Security Lookup Table pops up. After a valid entry, the global security's name is displayed. Also, the second security's symbol and name are set to the same values.
(Optional) The Global Symbol of the second security to graph. If you enter an invalid symbol, the Global Security Lookup Table pops up. After a valid entry, the global security's name is displayed. If you leave this symbol set to the same value as the first symbol, then only a single security is graphed.

Function keys at the bottom of the screen are:

F2:Select Date Range - enter a range of dates to restrict the graphed data.

19.4.2.1 Lookup Global Security

[[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

The Global Security Lookup Table is brought up if you enter a blank or invalid security symbol. This table shows the symbol and name of each global security. If you entered an invalid security symbol, the cursor is positioned on the security symbol that best matches the entered symbol. Function keys are:

Enter:Select - select the highlighted local security, inserting its symbol into the form's symbol field.
Esc:Exit - leave the table without selecting a local security.

19.4.3 Portfolio Form

Several graphs require you to select a portfolio.
[[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

The Portfolio Form accepts:

(Required) The ID of the Portfolio to graph. If you leave this blank or enter an invalid ID, the Portfolio Lookup Table pops up.

After a valid entry, the portfolio's name is displayed.

Function keys at the bottom of the screen are:

F2:Select Date Range - enter a range of dates to restrict the graphed data.

19.4.3.1 Lookup Portfolio

[[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

The Portfolio Lookup Table is brought up if you enter a blank or invalid portfolio ID. This table shows the ID and name of each portfolio. Function keys at the bottom of the screen are:

Enter:Select - select the highlighted portfolio, inserting its ID into the form.
Esc:Exit - leave the table without selecting a portfolio.

19.5 Price Graphs

Price Graphs consist of a line chart showing the price histories of one or two securities. You first select the global symbol or symbols and date range, using the Global Securities Form described earlier.

19.5.1 One Security
[[Figure not in online version of documentation.]]

If you only graph one security, the Graphics Program:

Processes the Price History File, building a table of data to be graphed based on the specified date range.
Displays the security's symbol and name, and the high and low prices and the dates they occurred in the date range. If you specified to use icons, the icon marking the price points is displayed to the left of the symbol.
Draws solid vertical lines for each month in the date range. If a small enough range was specified, dashed lines indicate each Friday. The solid lines are labeled at the bottom with the first letter in the name of the month. January uses the alternate label color in order to stand out.
Draws solid horizontal lines for each price level. The price increments are chosen based on the data being graphed. The increment will usually be $1 or $2, but if the security's price varies a lot, the increment could be $5, $10, or some other value. If there is a small price variance, dashed lines indicate half or quarter point increments. The solid lines are labeled with the corresponding price level.
Generates the price line, using the data from the Price History File.
Generates lines indicating the average, standard deviation, and best fit lines. These are based on monthly averages, as described in Chapter 20.

===>>> To turn off the grid, or to not draw the best fit, average, and standard deviation lines, set the colors in the User Settings Form to NO COLOR.

19.5.2 Two Securities

[[Figure not in online version of documentation.]]

The advantage of displaying two securities at once is that you can observe similarities and differences in the movement of prices. One security could be an average, like the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Most of the steps described above are performed for each security. Besides having two price lines:

Both securities are listed in the header.
The first security's prices are listed to the left of the grid, and the second security's prices are listed to the right. Thus, even though the prices may differ significantly, the lines will be superimposed for easier comparison.
If you specified all dates, then the second security is constrained by the first and last dates found for the first security.
The grid and the best fit, average, and standard deviation lines are not displayed. Adding these clutters up the graph beyond recognition.
In order to distinguish the two lines on printouts or monchrome monitors, different icons are automatically used to mark price points. The icons used are listed to the left of the symbols in the header.

If you use the PgUp:Prev and PgDn:Next keys to move between securities, the first security remains constant, and the second one changes.

19.6 Total Return Graph

[[Figure not in online version of documentation.]]

The Total Return Graph consists of an area graph for a security's total return, broken down into price and distribution components. This graph shows the value of a single share, including price and reinvested distributions. You first select the global symbol and date range, using the Global Securities Form described earlier. You can only select a single security for this graph.

After you select a security, the Graphics Program:

Processes the Price History File, building a table of data to be graphed based on the specified date range.
Displays the security's symbol and name, and the high and low values (not prices) and the dates they occurred in the specified range.
Labels the bottom of the graph with the first letter in the name of the month. January uses the alternate label color in order to stand out.
Labels the left of the graph with value increments chosen based on the data being graphed. The increment will usually be $1 or $2, but if the share value varies a lot, the increment could be $5, $10, or some other value.
Generates the price line and share value line, using the data from the Price History File. The share value line represents the reinvested value of one share of the security.
Fills in the top section, representing reinvested distributions, and the bottom section, representing price.

===>>> This is referred to as an area graph in that there are two distinct areas: one representing the reinvested distribution component and the other representing the price component. Together, they represent the total value of one share, with distributions reinvested. Income oriented securities will maintain level or moderately varying price lines, and increasing total value lines. Growth oriented securities will have small distribution components, and thus will differ little from normal price graphs.

The total return calculation is described in detail in Chapter 20. Mutual fund companies often quote the total return figure, since these investment vehicles allow easy reinvestment of distributions. While analyzing a security's price is valuable, you really need total return to get the complete picture.

19.7 Portfolio Allocation Graph

[[Figure not in online version of documentation.]]

Portfolio Allocation Graphs consist of pie charts showing how your funds are allocated. Three different views are presented: by security class, by security type, and by security. You select the portfolio using the Portfolio Form.

After you select a portfolio, the Graphics Program:

Processes the Local Security File, building a table of data to be graphed.
Displays the header, showing the selected portfolio's ID, name, and value.
Builds pie charts showing portfolio allocation by: security values, security type values, and security class values, using the data from the Local Security File. Each pie chart uses the entire screen, so you need to scroll between them with the Left Arrow and Right Arrow keys.

===>>> Pie slices are easier to distinguish if they are displayed in color. Listed values are keyed to the associated pie slice's color. However, to print the graphs on a non-color printer, a pattern fill is necessary. Thus, a Fill Type setting of both colors and patterns is suggested. Maximum # Slices limits the number of pie slices displayed. Excess slices, and slices less than 2% of the total, are rolled into the last slice, and labeled Other. Thus, if you had 20 securities, and only specified 15 slices, the 6 securities with the smallest total holdings are lumped into the 15th slice.

19.8 Security Cost/Value Graph

[[Figure not in online version of documentation.]]

The Security Cost/Value Graph consists of bar charts showing the cost and current value of local securities in a portfolio. You first select the portfolio, using the Portfolio Form described earlier.

After you select a portfolio, the Graphics Program:

Processes the Local Security File, building a table of data to be graphed.
Displays the header, showing the portfolio ID, name, amount, and value.
Draws solid horizontal lines and labels them with values. The values range from 0 to just above the highest value found. The increments are chosen based on the data being graphed. Depending on the range of data, the increment can be $50, $100, $500, or $1000.
Using the data from the Local Security File, displays the amount (left) and value (right) bars, and labels the bars with the local security symbols. Use the Right Arrow and Left Arrow keys to display more securities, if they all don't fit on one screen.

===>>> The Bar Type is used to determine whether the bars are three- dimensional filled, three-dimensional outline, or plain two dimensional bars. If they are not three-dimensional filled, then the Fill Type setting is also used. You can choose not to Include Cash types in the graph. Cash types generally maintain a constant price, so the cost and value bars would be identical. If you are holding a lot of cash in a money market fund, then it could skew the range of values too high. This makes it hard to distinguish the performance of other securities, since their bars are scaled smaller.

19.9 Performance Graph

[[Figure not in online version of documentation.]]

Performance Graphs consist of pie charts showing your performance with each security in a portfolio. Two pie charts are generated for each security. The first one shows the ending value, the amount of distributions, and the amount of sales. The second one shows the beginning value, the amount of purchases, and the return. These two sets of three components are equal:

     begin_value + buy_amt + return =  end_value + distr_amt + sell_amt

To generate this graph, you first select the portfolio and date range, using the Portfolio Form described earlier.

After you select a portfolio, the Graphics Program:

Processes the activity logs, building a table of data to be graphed. This can take awhile, depending on how much activity has been recorded.
Displays the header, showing the selected portfolio's ID, name, and current value.
Displays the security symbol, name, and current value. Displays the pie chart showing the ending value, distribution amount, and selling amount. Displays the pie chart showing the beginning value, purchase amount, and return amount. The actual values of each component are displayed below the pie charts. Each security uses the entire screen, so you'll use the Right Arrow and Left Arrow keys to move between securities.

===>>> Pie slices are easier to distinguish if they are displayed in color. Listed values are keyed to the associated pie slice's color.

However, to print the graphs on a non-color printer, a pattern fill is necessary. Thus, a Fill Type setting of both colors and patterns is suggested.

===>>> The size of the return slice in relation to the pie is usually not reflected by the return percentage. Partial period holdings are annualized to calculate the return percentage.

19.10 Graphics User Settings

The colors and other values that you set in the Graphics User Settings Form persist between sessions. The same User Settings File is used by both Capital Gainz and the Graphics Program.
[[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

When an entry requires a color value, the name of the color is used. Entering a blank or invalid value causes the Color Table to pop up for you to choose from.

Function keys at the bottom of the screen are:

Form Accept - accept all entries, the same as hitting Enter on each field.
Form Reject - exit immediately, the same as hitting Esc to back out of the form.
F2:Setup Printer - change the settings for your selected printer.

19.10.1 All Graphs

These settings apply to all, or several, graphs.

Graphics Adapter - the type of graphics adapter for your computer. The Graphics Program can usually determine the correct adapter type, but you should verify the type it suggests the first time you run the program. If you change your monitor, you may need to change this value.
Label Color - the color of most labels used in graphs. This includes the top lines that show portfolio and security names. This can't be set to NO COLOR. Default is LT CYAN.
Alt Label Color - for contrast, an alternate label color is sometimes used. For instance, when the bottom line indicates there are more screens that you can scroll to, the More keyword uses the alternate label color to stand out. This can't be set to NO COLOR. Default is YELLOW.
Bar Type - the type of bar used in bar charts. You can experiment to determine which one you like best. Default is 3D-OUTLINE, which shows the patterns well for printouts.
Grid Color - the color of the X-Y grid in the charts. You can set this to NO COLOR if you don't want a grid. Default is CYAN.
Fill Type - the type of fill to use for pie slices, bars, and areas. You can fill with just colors, just patterns, or both. If you want to print the graphs, you should use pattern or pattern and color fill. Default is BOTH.
Printer Type - the type of printer attached to your computer. The Graphics Program assumes you will use a dot matrix printer, so verify the type it suggests the first time you run the program. If you change your printer, you may need to change this value.
Printer Code - the code for the dot matrix manufacturer/model selected. If you change your printer, you may need to change this value. The printer types are described below.
Append Reports - determines whether to append or overwrite files with graphics output. This is similar, but separate, from the Append Reports setting in Capital Gainz. You may want to treat text and graphics output separately. Default is NO.

19.10.2 Price Graph

Price Line #1 - the color of the first security's price line, symbol and name in the header, and price labels. Default is YELLOW.
Price Line #2 - the color of the second security's price line, symbol and name in the header, and price labels. Default is WHITE.
Use Line Icons? - whether to display icons at price/date points. Default is NO. (They are used if two securities are graphed regardless of this setting.)
Best Fit Line Color - the color of the best-fit line. This dashed line can be turned off by choosing NO COLOR. Default is LT CYAN. (Not displayed if two securities are graphed.)
Average Line Color - the color of the average line. This dashed line can be turned off by choosing NO COLOR. Default is LT BLUE. (Not displayed if two securities are graphed.)
Standard Deviation? - whether to display the dashed standard deviation lines. Default is YES. (Not displayed if two securities are graphed.)

19.10.3 Total Return Graph

Colors are not used if Fill Type is just patterns.

Price Color - the color of the price area. Default is LT BLUE.
Distr Color - the color of the distribution area. Default is LT GREEN.

19.10.4 Portfolio Allocation Graph

Different colors are used for the slices, unless Fill Type is just patterns. Different fill types are used for the slices, unless Fill Type is just colors.

Maximum # Slices - the maximum number of pie slices to display. Anything over about 15 is difficult to read. Excess slices are rolled into the last slice, and labeled Other. Default is 15.

19.10.5 Security Cost/Value Graph

Colors are not used if Fill Type is just patterns.

Cost Color - the color of the cost bar. Default is LT BLUE.
Value Color - the color of the value bar. Default is LT GREEN.
Include Cash? - whether or not to include securities that are classified as cash security types, since cash types maintain a constant price. For the Security Cost/Value Graph, the amount and value bars for cash types may skew the value range too high, making it hard to distinguish other securities' amount and value bars. Default is YES.

19.10.6 Performance Graph

Colors are not used if Fill Type is just patterns.

End - the ending value pie slice color. Default is CYAN.
Sell - the selling amount pie slice color. Default is BROWN.
Distr - the distribution amount pie slice color. Default is YELLOW.
Begin - the beginning amount pie slice color. Default is LT MAGENTA.
Buy - the purchase amount pie slice color. Default is LT CYAN.
Return(+) - the pie slice color for positive returns. Default is LT GREEN.
Return(-) - the pie slice color for negative returns. Default is LT RED.

19.10.7 Lookup Adapter

[[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

The Adapter Lookup Table lists adapters supported by the Graphics Program:

Hercules: monochrome, Hercules-compatible graphics.
CGA Color and Mono: poor resolution. (Not Supported)
EGA Color and Mono: color or monochrome EGA, good resolution.
VGA Color and Mono: color or monchrome VGA, very good resolution.

VGA Color should work for Super-VGA or other high-end monitor types.

You must set the adapter type before you can run the Graphics Program. When you run it for the first time, you are asked for your adapter type. The Graphics Program checks your hardware setup and highlights the apparent type. If you don't have a graphics adapter, you can't use the Graphics Program.

Function keys at the bottom of the screen are:

Enter:Select - select the highlighted adapter, inserting it into the form's adapter field.
Esc:Exit - leave the table without selecting an adapter.

19.10.8 Lookup Color

[[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

The Color Table pops up if you enter a blank or invalid color name. Highlight the color you want, and hit Enter to select it and transfer it back to the form. Each color is illustrated to the right of the color name. The NO COLOR value means not to display the associated item. For instance, you could turn off the grid for the price graph if you don't want it displayed.

Function keys at the bottom of the screen are:

Enter:Select - select the highlighted color, inserting it into the color field.
Esc:Exit - leave the table without selecting a color.

19.10.9 Lookup Printer

[[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

Printer Lookup Table lists printer types supported by the Graphics Program:

Dot Matrix - you must also select the manufacturer/model.
PCL Laserjet - this refers to Hewlett Packard's Printer Command Language. Most laser printers can emulate the HP Laserjet. If you have an HP Thinkjet, use this printer type.
PCL Paintjet - this is similar to the PCL Laserjet, but refers to the Hewlett Packard Paintjet and compatibles.
Postscript - this refers to printers that use the postscript graphics commands.

===>>> For each of the printers, some of the parameters can be altered, as described below. However, the default settings usually work best.

Function keys at the bottom of the screen are:

Enter:Select - select the highlighted printer, inserting it into the printer field.
Esc:Exit - leave the table without selecting a printer.

19.10.10 Setup Printer

Each of the printers supported by the Graphics Program has a form that allows you to change the configuration. Each of these forms includes the following function keys at the bottom:

Form Accept - accept all entries, the same as hitting Enter on each field.
Form Reject - exit immediately, the same as hitting Esc to back out of the form.
F2:Defaults - resets the printer configuration to the default settings.

===>>> Notice that printer selection and setup are two distinct operations. The setup form displayed is specific to the printer you have selected.

The values set in the printer setup forms are not written to disk until the Graphics User Settings Form is accepted.

19.10.10.1 Setup Dot Matrix Printer

[[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

The Dot Matrix Setup Form lets you alter the dot matrix printer settings:

Printer - the printer's manufacturer and model. If you leave this blank, or enter an invalid value, the Dot Matrix Lookup Table, described below, pops up. After selecting a valid printer, the default values are displayed.
Change Codes? - this field lets you change the remaining values.

The following values are set based on the printer you selected.

Paper - horizontal or vertical. This is not the same as LANDSCAPE/PORTRAIT.
Print Head Bit 0 Top? - whether bit 0 is at the top or bottom of the print head. NO means bit 0 is at the bottom.
Epson 3-Color? - whether or not your printer supports Epson 3-color mode.
Pre-Page Codes - ASCII codes sent to the printer before printing a page.
Pre-Line Codes - ASCII codes sent to the printer before printing a line.
Post-Line Codes - ASCII codes sent to the printer after printing a line.
Post-Page Codes - ASCII codes sent to the printer after printing a page.

Capital Gainz supports a number of popular dot matrix printers.
[[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

Select the closest matching printer. If your printer is not listed, it should at least be compatible with one of the Epson models. When you return to the Setup Dot Matrix Printer screen, the codes for the selected printer are displayed. If you need to alter these codes, you should refer to your printer manual or consult with the manufacturer.

19.10.10.2 Setup Laserjet/Paintjet Printer

[[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

The PCL Setup Form lets you alter HP PCL Laserjet and Paintjet settings:

Reset Before Print? - whether to issue a printer reset before printing. Default is YES.
Formfeed After Print? - whether to output a formfeed after printing a page. Default is YES. By setting this to NO, you can superimpose one graph on top of another.
Correct Aspect Ratio? - the screen aspect ratio is 1:1.35, but the density of dots on the screen is not uniform. Without correcting for the aspect ratio, the output would be elongated due to the laser printer's uniform printing density. Default is YES.
Paper Orientation - landscape or portrait mode. Default is LANDSCAPE.
Reverse Black/White? - when printed, the graph uses black figures and characters on a white background. This setting lets you reverse the black and white, so white figures and characters are printed on a black background. Default is NO. (Black on white is printed.)
Color? (Paintjet Only) - whether or not you have a color Paintjet compatible printer. Default is NO.
Horizontal Offset (Dots) - printing offset from the left of the page. Default is 0.
Vertical Offset (Dots) - printing offset from the top of the page. Default is 0.
Dot Density - the larger the dot density, the smaller the graph. Different settings are available for Laserjets and Paintjets. For Laserjets, the default is 75. For Paintjets, the default is 90.

If you need to alter these values, you should refer to your printer manual or consult with the manufacturer.

19.10.10.3 Setup Postscript Printer

[[Screen not in online version of documentation.]]

The Postscript Setup Form lets you alter postscript printer settings:

Paper Orientation - landscape or portrait mode. Default is LANDSCAPE.
Reverse Black/White? - when printed, the graph uses black figures and characters on a white background. This setting lets you reverse the black and white, so white figures and characters are printed on a black background. Default is NO. (Black on white is printed.)
Horizontal Offset (Points) - printing offset from the left of the page, in 1/72 inch. Default is 50.
Vertical Offset (Points) - printing offset from the top of the page, in 1/72 inch. Default is 75.
Horizontal Scale - horizontal scale factor percentage. Default is 100.
Vertical Scale - vertical scale factor percentage. Default is 100.
Density (Dots/Inch) - the larger the dot density, the smaller the graph. The default is 90.

19.11 View File

===>>> The View File option is nearly the same as Capital Gainz' Select File option, described in Chapter 6. The only difference is you can view graphics files saved in PCX format. If the selected file does not have a .PCX extension, then the regular text file viewer is used. When you print a graph to a file, it is saved in PCX format if you specify a .PCX file extension.

When viewing a PCX file, you can scroll to the Prev or Next file, or Print the file. The function line is initially toggled off. You can turn it on/off with the Enter key.