Well said, Carter. Unfortunately, most people speculate in the market while thinking they are investing. If you cannot quantify the value and direction of the asset you are looking at, you are speculating. "I think it will go to $3000" is not an investment strategy. People spend more time researching what new car they will buy than the company they will buy when buying a stock. Agreed as well that if you aren't willing to do the research, then stick to low-cost index funds to get your guaranteed average returns with no effort, and be happy with that.