sure i think you can dig and find some stocks that will beat the averages. not many though but they are out there. you need to know something about the stock and its business and do some legwork.

usually local stocks can be followed and you can get a good read on whats going on with the company before the general public. i remember in the 60's when i told my parents to buy into that mcdonalds company as their 19 cent hamberger was good. they laughed. then i went to colledge and ate at paleys fried chicken in florida. it had a picture of a white haired guy on the sign. and something about kentucky fried. it had to make a go of it. i was too young to know about investing in those days.

now i find companies that have owners(managers) with a substantial interest in the company and something looks like its changing with their business. then i short or go long depending on the direction.