Definition
Profit and loss measures the financial result of positions or account activity over a stated scope, separating open valuation changes from completed results.
In market context
P&L can be shown per position, instrument, day, or reporting period, and should state whether fees, financing, income, and currency conversion are included. Unrealized P&L changes with the valuation price, while realized P&L is recorded when exposure is closed or otherwise settled. P&L is not the same as cash flow, total return, account balance, or taxable gain, so reports should be reconciled to ledger entries and methodology.
Source
Use the primary source for fuller regulatory or market context.
