Are index funds a better choice than stock picking for most people?

Stock-tip videos and trading apps have brought millions of new investors into the market. Many argue ordinary investors should simply buy the whole market instead. (This is a debate, not investment advice.)

The case for

• Low costs and broad diversification, with no need to research companies or time the market.

• Many people who pick their own stocks end up doing worse than the market as a whole.

The case against

• Investors who research carefully may find opportunities an index cannot.

• Index funds still fall with the market, so they are not a shortcut around risk.

Where do you stand? Vote, then share your opinion - and say what would change your mind.