Yes, it's called a realized gain or loss when you sell. Un till then it's unrealized ... so it's true. Good news you also don't get taxed on unrealized gains (not yet) or deduct against gains for unrealized loss. I know they want to tax unrealized gains (cuz its weath) but is programmatic. FWIW. I don't like red in unrealized loss either,!
Only good news on unrealized loss is come dec, you can use the loss (sell to realize) to offset any/all gains +3k. Unless you already have carryover losses in which case you probably get that $3k write off for life (untill they change that tax laws anyway)
Unrealized losses can easily become unrealized gains in time ... it's the crazy thing! I had a stock go sub penny on me -- complete loss -- it was a value trap. I didnt play it right because i should have minimized loss (hard to accept and do sometimes). Anyway, I already lossed everything and at the time would cost more in fees to sell then it was worth, so i kept it on the books for years ... often reviewed as capital gain offset but never did. Then one day I wondered where that $50k gain was comming from ... dang stock rocked back to life lol. I don't think that happens often though.
News 
Market Data 
Discover 
