Should I buy individual stocks or ETFs?

For most investors, broad-market ETFs (like VTI or VOO) outperform stock-picking over time with far less risk and effort. Individual stocks work if you have time for research and can handle volatility. A common balanced approach: put 80-90% in index ETFs and allocate 10-20% to individual stock picks you've thoroughly researched. Never put all your money in single stocks.