A strategy can look profitable simply because its benchmark is too easy to beat.

Suppose an active crypto portfolio returns 18% while BTC returns 25% over the same period.

The strategy made money.

But did the additional research, turnover, execution risk, and Binance Spot trading fees actually create value?

This is why institutional performance analysis separates absolute return from excess return.

The correct question is not:

“Did I make money?”

It is:

“Did my decisions outperform a realistic alternative after costs?”

Reducing predictable friction helps that calculation. For eligible new users, CODE2026 can reduce qualifying Spot trading fees by 20%.

But cheaper activity does not automatically make active management worthwhile.

Every strategy should earn its complexity.

Profit proves that capital increased.

Excess return proves that your decisions deserved to exist.