For a further push into index funds (vs stock picking) look up the "efficient markets hypothesis" and relate it to portfolio theory. Our markets are very reason

For a further push into index funds (vs stock picking) look up the "efficient markets hypothesis" and relate it to portfolio theory. Our markets are very reasonably semi-strong; over any considerable time period, the chances of you beating the market as an individual on a risk-adjusted basis are essentially nil. Look for funds' fees and tracking errors before choosing.