http://biz.yahoo.com/ms/060516/164100.html
When I read articles like this, the more I believe it's almost impossible for the casual investor to know what the hell they're doing. Long term, find a well managed funds and leave it to the professionals.

I still believe in short term investments as they are more liquid, there is more opportunity to be able to gain and it involves lesser amount. But with long term investment, the fund stays in the company and most of the time, no one knows what's happening, if they are profiting or losing as they will never tell and then one day they will just inform the shocking news.

One strategy I used to have was to look more at local companies, and see which ones were more likely to be on the rise.

It's not a long-term strategy - probably need to keep moving your investments - but also the fact that they're local means you have a better finger on the pulse and better informed of even small changes in local conditions that may effect the company.

2c.