In the topsy-turvy world of investing, where fortunes rise and fall faster than a soufflé in a wind tunnel, there exists a steadfast rule that refuses to go quietly: the 7% rule. Over the years, I’ve seen this rule save portfolios from disaster and, ironically, cost investors some of their greatest gains. So, should you swear by it or bend the rules? Let’s dissect this simple yet controversial strategy that can define your success in the stock market. Walking the Tightrope: Risk, Reward, and the 7% Safety Net The Safety Net or the Straitjacket? The 7% rule dictates that if a stock falls 7% below your purchase price, you should sell without hesitation. It’s a principle rooted in William O'Neil's CAN SLIM strategy, designed to prevent emotional investing and safeguard capital. And yet, I’ve