Navigating the stock market can be a daunting task for both fresh graduates and seasoned investors. However, a guiding light can be found in the insights from legendary value investor, Seth Klarman. As the co-founder and CEO of Baupost Group, a $25 billion hedge fund firm, Klarman shared his insights on the key traits that can define success in the stock market in a recent interview with CNBC.

Klarman not only shed light on the potential future of the economy and why real estate could be the next big thing but also generously imparted wisdom on the critical skills investors need to thrive in today’s increasingly efficient stock market.

Here’s Klarman’s recipe for successful investing:

Keep Your Focus Amidst the Noise: The modern world bombards us with information. For Klarman, the key is to focus on the data that will genuinely impact your portfolio. Not every piece of information will move the needle, and it’s critical to discern the meaningful from the mundane.

Value Matters When Buying Stocks: Remember that long-term investment returns depend on the entry price. Buying when the market is overvalued can lead to disappointment. You might match the index, but if the market doesn’t perform well, neither will your portfolio.

Stay the Course: Investors often make the mistake of buying into index funds, only to panic and bail during a downturn. Klarman advises staying invested through the good times and the bad, as this is the best way to ensure success in the long run.

Have Conviction in Your Choices: After 40 years in the game, Klarman knows that when you find a promising investment offering attractive returns for the risk, don’t hesitate. Dive in and buy!

Focus on What Matters Most: Don’t waste time worrying about things you can’t predict or control. Focus on elements you can understand and act upon, like the impact of technology on the companies you’re investing in.

Advice for Aspiring Investors: For college graduates eyeing a career in investment, Klarman advises looking for the most inefficient markets. Find a mentor, don’t rush into things, and understand your unique edge. Maybe it’s connections in a foreign country or specialized knowledge of a particular business culture. His advice? Go where you’re naturally inclined and where you see interesting opportunities, but remember, a market setting all-time highs might not be the best starting point.

Klarman’s insights serve as a handy compass for investors navigating the complex financial landscape. His time-tested wisdom is an invaluable resource for those looking to make their mark in the investment world. So, remember, stay focused, value matters, have conviction, and always keep learning.