Core Concepts: Void vs Delete in Molecule

Understanding the difference between Void and Delete is critical to ensuring accurate valuations, reporting, and auditability in Molecule.

Void

Meaning Marks a trade as voided (canceled) as of a specified date.

Purpose Void is used when a trade was valid historically but should no longer continue going forward.

Key Characteristics

• Preserves historical valuation data up to the void as-of date

• Stops future valuations after the void date

• Maintains a full audit trail

• Voided trades remain visible when “Show deleted trades” is enabled

• Yesterday’s valuation row is typically the last relevant row for reporting

When to use Void

• A legitimately booked trade is later canceled

• Regulatory or audit requirements require valuation history to be retained

• You need historical P&L visibility but no future exposure

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Delete

Meaning Completely removes the trade and all associated valuation data.

Purpose Delete is used when a trade should be treated as if it never existed.

Key Characteristics

• Removes all valuation history

• Excludes the trade entirely from reporting and settlements

• Deleted trades are only visible when “Show deleted trades” is enabled

When to use Delete

• Trades booked in error

• Duplicate or test trades

• Trades with incorrect lifecycle data (e.g., invalid trade dates)

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Void vs Delete: Quick Comparison

Feature	Void	Delete
Keeps valuation history	✅ Yes	❌ No
Stops future valuation	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Removes trade entirely	❌ No	✅ Yes
Supports audit trail	✅ Yes	❌ No
Suitable for erroneous trades	❌ No	✅ Yes

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Best Practice Guidance

• Use Void when the trade was once valid and needs to be canceled going forward.

• Use Delete when the trade should not exist in the system at all.

• Choosing the correct action ensures accurate valuations, settlements, and clean month-end reporting.