Simple Return Node
Simple Return — (Pt − P0) / P0
Overview
The Simple Return Node computes the cumulative simple (arithmetic) return from the first observation. Each bar returns the percentage gain or loss relative to the starting price.
Simple return is the standard measure for comparing portfolio performance over a fixed horizon. Unlike log return, simple returns are directly additive for portfolio-level aggregation across assets.
Formula
Parameters
No parameters — this node takes no configuration. Connect an input and use the output directly.
Inputs & Outputs
| Slot | Direction | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| input | Input | { values, timestamps } | Any positive numeric series (price, equity curve) |
| values | Output | (number | null)[] | Cumulative simple return from inception; values[0] = null |
| timestamps | Output | number[] | Unix timestamps aligned to input |
Use Cases
Performance Benchmark
Compare strategy equity curve simple return against buy-and-hold simple return of the same underlying over the same period.
Portfolio Return Attribution
Simple returns are additive across assets weighted by allocation — use for portfolio-level return aggregation.
Risk Ratio Inputs
Feed simple returns into Calmar, Sharpe, or Omega ratio nodes for risk-adjusted performance analysis.
Tips & Best Practices
Simple vs Log Return
Simple return is best for portfolio aggregation across assets (additivity). Log return is best for time aggregation (compounding). For short-horizon bars, they are nearly equal.
Inception-Based
Simple Return always measures from the first bar. If you need period-over-period returns (bar-to-bar), use Log Return instead — it computes the one-bar return each bar.
Starting Price Matters
The base (P[0]) is fixed at the first observation. Changing the start of the input series will change all return values — be careful with data alignment.