Know Your Limits
"The most successful investors stay within their circle of competence. Know what you understand well and resist the temptation to venture outside it."
Stay within your circle of competence.
Read Full Analysis →William Delbert Gann (June 6, 1878 – June 18, 1955) was an American trader and analyst who developed the technical analysis methods known as Gann angles, the Gann square, and the hexagon chart. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of technical analysis. Gann claimed to have made over $50 million from trading during his...
"The most successful investors stay within their circle of competence. Know what you understand well and resist the temptation to venture outside it."
Stay within your circle of competence.
Read Full Analysis →"Surface-level knowledge is dangerous in investing. Develop deep expertise in your areas of focus. True understanding means knowing what could go wrong."
Develop deep expertise, not surface knowledge.
Read Full Analysis →"Expand your circle of competence gradually over time. Each new area of expertise adds potential opportunities, but only if mastered thoroughly."
Expand expertise gradually, one area at a time.
Read Full Analysis →William Gann has 3 key principles on circle of competence. The most important one is "Know Your Limits" — The most successful investors stay within their circle of competence.
William Gann applies circle of competence through several key principles including "Know Your Limits" and "Deep Understanding Required". These principles guide practical investment decisions and have been tested across decades of market cycles.
William Gann's approach to circle of competence is distinguished by a focus on long-term thinking and fundamental analysis. With 3 specific principles in this area, William Gann provides a comprehensive framework that investors at any level can study and apply to improve their decision-making.