Automating the IBKR xml importing and csv exporting?

Hi all,

I would like to know if it is possible to automate Portfolio-performance to always import a IBKR file at a certain time, import these trades into the software and then export the trades and transactions csv automatically to a specific folder?

Why I’m asking? Because I have a budgeting tool build in powerquery and vba in Excel that is automated to import the data from Portfolio-Performance to see the gains, losses, dividends, fees, taxes from my broker etc into my budgeting tool.

Thank you!

No this isn’t possible.

In short: Portfolio Performance itself does not offer native automation via schedule or command line, but there are workarounds – using scripts and file watching.

Since Portfolio Performance doesn’t have a command-line interface (CLI), you can partially automate the process – but the part within Portfolio Performance can only be automated using workarounds.

Possible automation workflow:

Save the IBKR file automatically (e.g., via a scheduled report from IBKR or via API).

A watcher script regularly checks the folder (e.g., with Python or PowerShell).

As soon as the file is there:

Start Portfolio Performance (if closed).

Import the file via GUI automation (e.g., with AutoHotKey, pywinauto, Sikuli, etc.).

Afterward: Initiate an automated export (also via GUI automation).

Move exported CSVs to the target directory or save them there.

PowerQuery & VBA then pull the fresh data as usual.

Limitations:
Import and export in Portfolio Performance cannot run silently in the background. You must launch PP and then work via a GUI simulation.

No official API available (as of April 2025).

Changes to the PP interface can easily break the automation because it is GUI-based.