John Husselbee: Differentiating between luck and skill

'Some people build walls'

clock • 4 min read

When the winds of change blow, some people build windmills and some build walls, writes John Husselbee, as he discusses the difference between luck and skill in fund management

To channel Dirty Harry, how many of us consider ourselves lucky? For something that, by definition, has no basis in fact, luck plays a huge role in many cultures around the world. In China, for example, people believe certain numbers, colours, animals, days, and actions are more favourable than others. Red is the national colour, representing happiness, wealth, prosperity, and good luck, while dragons and tortoises are considered auspicious beasts. Like so many things, the concept of luck gets trickier where money is involved and this is certainly the case when it comes to the debate ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Taking the rough with the smooth: How to navigate global market volatility

Taking the rough with the smooth: How to navigate global market volatility

'Like investing, smoothing isn't one-size-fits-all'

James Tothill
clock 13 June 2025 • 4 min read
Four key questions to guide informed investment decisions

Four key questions to guide informed investment decisions

Does the story make sense?

Gabriel Sacks
clock 12 June 2025 • 4 min read
Neil Woodford to charge up to £70 a month to access portfolio platform

Neil Woodford to charge up to £70 a month to access portfolio platform

W4.0 launches

Cristian Angeloni
clock 06 June 2025 • 2 min read