there is no growth now, so how can it make sense that picking stocks is easy since 2008? It doesn't matter what strategy you use. The best thing I have done for myself was subscribe to Hulbert's Financial Digest where they monitor the top 100 investment newsletters available and give performance feedback. Though it is hindsight, I've been able to keep above 7% each and every year over year since 2007. Prior to 2008, 12% returns were average... This being an election year, I am up- 17% from January, so it is a good one. my strategy is buy and timely sell (hold stocks 3 months to 3 years based on reaching a target price I stay disciplined to).
My method is not the best, but I am a financial analyst that is more concerned with private small business growth... I don't want to get too involved in stock analysis. If experts like Jim Cramer are only making 3% (2011), it is definitely not worth my time.