< Documentation

Using the Date Filter

PortBlend Docs Last updated

The date filter allows you to isolate specific historical windows across the application. When a filter is applied, PortBlend trims the active Net Asset Value (NAV)A single number that tracks the value of a portfolio, fund, or strategy over time. Formula: NAV_t = NAV_t-1 * (1 + Return_t) series records and triggers a server-side recomputation of all summary metrics, charts, stress heatmaps, and Drawdown EpisodeA complete drawdown cycle from the start of a decline from peak, through its lowest point, to a full recovery back to a new high. tables to accurately reflect the selected timeframe.

Filter Methods

PortBlend provides two primary methods for applying a historical date filter: manual field input within the configuration panel, or visual drag-selection directly on interactive chart surfaces.

Method 1: Manual Date Entry

Manual date filtering is handled within the sticky Config panel at the top of either workspace.

  1. Click Open to expand the Config panel.
  2. Locate the Filter Date Range section.
  3. Enter your target constraints in the From date and To date fields. You can use the native calendar picker or type dates directly using the YYYY-MM-DD format.
  4. Leave either field blank to extend the analysis to the full limits of the available data.
  5. Click the Run button (Play icon) to recompute the data.

Method 2: Chart Drag-Select

For rapid exploration of specific market crises, you can select date ranges visually directly on the chart canvases.

  • Timeline Charts: Click and drag horizontally across the NAV + Drawdown Timeline chart to isolate a historical DrawdownHow far a portfolio or series has fallen from its historical peak at any point in time, measured as a percentage. Formula: Drawdown = ((Current NAV / Peak NAV) - 1) * 100 window.
  • Yearly Bar Charts: Click or drag-select an individual calendar bar on the Yearly Drawdown Overview chart to automatically target January 1 to December 31 of that year.
  • Stress Heatmaps: Click any individual cell inside the Monthly Stress Heatmap or Weekly Stress Heatmap to instantly lock onto that month or week boundary.

The Confirm/Cancel Flow

To prevent accidental redraws while interacting with data, visual drag-selections use a two-step confirmation process:

  • Dragging or clicking highlights your chosen range while dimming the rest of the chart canvas.
  • An interactive control panel appears floating near your selection. Hovering over these controls displays the exact bounded date range (e.g., 2020-03-01 to 2020-06-30).
  • Click the Green Tick button to confirm and apply the filter.
  • Click the Red X button to clear the pending selection and return to your active view without modifying results.

Filter State Behaviors

The Loading State

Applying a filter triggers a secure, stateless recomputation on the server. While the backend processes the data:

  • The active report canvas fades to a lower opacity.
  • All pointer interactions and button inputs across the report are temporarily disabled.
  • A transparent gray overlay locks the viewport, displaying a centered loading spinner alongside the message: "Refreshing filters".

The Collapsed Summary & Date Chip

Once the recomputation completes, the Config panel automatically collapses to maximize screen space. An active filter is designated by a prominent, highlighted Date chip appended to the end of the configuration summary bar:

Date: 2021-06-20 to 2023-01-28 ×

Clearing the Filter

To remove an active timeframe constraint and restore your baseline data globally:

  1. Locate the highlighted Date chip within the collapsed Config summary bar.
  2. Click the × symbol directly on the chip.

PortBlend immediately clears the From date and To date inputs within the configuration panel and restores your original, full-length baseline metrics directly from the browser cache. This action is instantaneous, applies across both Drawdown Dynamics and Portfolio Blending tabs, and does not trigger an additional server request.