And look, I agree that indexed investing is likely the best strategy for most people. However, some people do beat the market consistently over the long term. TFA states that plainly, although it tries to downplay it. Additionally, this specific "research" is released by S&P Dow Jones Indices. What is the S&P 500 and Dow Jones if not a hand-picked selection of stocks? So this article isn't really saying it's impossible to beat the market. The article is saying that it's impossible to beat S&P Dow Jones Indices at picking stocks, which means the article is just a marketing piece. I'll also add that the S&P 500 plays with a stacked deck. By the nature of its size, companies included in the index trade at a substantial premium to similar companies outside of the index.