What is Gann Theory and How is It Used in Trading? (2024)

The Gann theory, developed by trader and market expert William Delbert Gann, lays down helpful trading strategies that can help to earn attractive profits through trading. It is a popular theory among traders and has evolved to be a set of powerful tools for technical analysis. The theory was formulated nearly a century ago but is relevant even today and applicable to several investment types, such as cryptocurrencies and stock markets.

This article will talk about the Gann theory in the stock market, its application, advantages, and more. It will also help to understand how Gann’s principles can be used to maximise returns using efficient market predictions.

What is Gann Theory?

The Gann theory came into existence in the 1900s. The person behind the theory, WD Gann, was of the belief that stock prices changed according to angles. According to his observation, the price changes in the stock market are based on prevalent geometric shapes, and this can be used to forecast how the price will move in the future for any stock. Ancient mathematics, astrology, astronomy, and natural geometric shapes form the basis of WD Gann’s theory.

Also known as the Gann angles theory, this set of trading strategies is known to make asset predictions that are at least 90% accurate! However, the accuracy depends on whether the strategies are applied correctly or not. The theory entails that a time cycle exists in nature and also affects the market.

In reality, the theory is complex and must be studied carefully to understand the principles before using it in real trading. Understanding the theory and using it carefully can help to maximise trading returns.

Who was William Delbert Gann?

William Delbert Gann was a market forecaster, trader, and astrologer. He was behind the development of several tools for technical analysis. Gann angles are among these tools.

He was also the author of many trading courses and books. This includes his first book about the stock market, titled “The truth of stock tape”. WD Gann was revered for his 92% trading accuracy. This helped him to unlock success on Wall Street and earn significant profits. He was also the inventor of the ‘Square of nine chart’.

What are Gann Angles?

Gann theory in the stock market contains multiple unique strategies for technical analysis. It involves analysing stock price charts based on angles and patterns that, according to Gann, have unique features that allow for predicting prices effectively.

A series of angles drawn and various price points help to forecast how the prices will move. These angles represent the characteristics of the stock price at different stages of time. Once the price points are connected on charts, Gann angles can be calculated.

According to Gann’s theory, the price and time are best when the relative angle of their rise and fall is 45 degrees.

How is Gann Theory used in Stock Market Trading?

Day traders globally use the Gann theory for intraday trading. Among his theories, the square of 9 method is the most popular. This method helps to make price forecasts by identifying the alignment of price and time.

The square of 9 has 81 numbers. At the centre is a static square that contains the number 1. This represents the historic low of the period. The next step is to move spirally and increase the value.

Fan Trading Strategy: A sequence of Gann angles is called a Gann fan. Price change predictions are made by superimposing the Gann fan over a price chart. The traders draw these angles across a price trend at 45 degrees. The angle must have an accurate 45-degree angle line. Traders often draw the Gann Fan at a reversal point to achieve this. Failing to maintain the angle may lead to ineffective and useless predictions.

A Gann fan offers helpful insights about support and resistance. Traders must use it in addition to other technical patterns, like a rising wedge or ascending broadening wedge, to determine useful entry and exit points.

The Gann theory of technical analysis and trading strategy has the following assumptions:

• A time cycle governs the ups and downs of prices in the stock market.
• Stock markets are designed geometrically, and their movement is also geometric.
• Range, time, and price are the only factors that affect the market.

While strategising their moves, traders must keep in mind that the market follows different angles that can only be rotated but ultimately remain the same. The path of asset movement can be from one angle to another.

According to the “Rule of all angles” entailed in WD Gann theory, on attaining one angle, the asset can move to another. Most traders use Gann angles to find the support and resistance lines.

A broken support is referred to as a break and indicates a price decline. Traders determine their time frames and draw Gann angles onto the stock chart. Also, once individuals set a time frame, they can draw out the Gann angles on the chart. 1X1, 2X1, 3,X1, 3X1, 1,X2, 1,X3 can be the angles. The lines help to analyse how the stock price will change.

Up-trending support angles show support, whereas down-trending angles are a sign of resistance. Traders may also use different angles to identify resistance or support. A bullish stock can retrace to 50%, which will then become the stock support. However, the 50% retracement level for bearish stocks becomes resistance.

Gann Theory Example

Here is an example to illustrate the benefits of Gann’s theory for traders.

Suppose the market follows an upward trend and stays above the ascending angle, and doesn’t break. If the Gann theory is used to analyse this situation and predict the movement, it will suggest that the market will follow an upward trend in the coming time.

On the contrary, if the market is following a downward trend and the stock price doesn’t cross the descending triangle, Gann’s theory will suggest that the prices will continue to decrease. This way, traders use the Gann trading strategy to make profitable decisions.

Application of Gann Theory

Below are some applications of the Gann theory:

• Tracking how the stock prices change by analysing Gann angles and using this analysis to predict future movements.
• Predicting when the stock value will reverse using Gann’s time study model. This is done by studying changes in stock prices over different spans.

Advantages of Using the Gann Trading Strategy

The Gann trading strategy lays down effective ways to study the market and predict the price movement of assets. The strategies are over 92% accurate and help traders to make profitable trading decisions.

Final Word

Traders can benefit immensely from Gann’s theory because of its technical analysis capabilities. They can set targets and stop loss based on the last traded price using the 9 special numbers from the Gann square. The targets that a trader chases depend on their goals. Careful and correct use of Gann trading strategies can help to execute profitable trades. However, knowing the correct way to apply the theory needs experience and time.

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This article has been prepared on the basis of internal data, publicly available information and other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained in this article is for general purposes only and not a complete disclosure of every material fact. It should not be construed as investment advice to any party. The article does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. Readers shall be fully liable/responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this article.