How do you read a broker statement?

Statements use columns of jargon: commission, swap, gross P/L, net P/L, balance versus equity. Beginners often can't reconcile what the platform showed with what the statement says.

What confused you on your first statement?

• the column you misunderstood
• how you eventually matched platform numbers to statement numbers
• anything your broker's statement leaves unclear

Post your questions here; the community can decode them. The trading costs guide explains the fee columns.