This is brilliant

Basically, CNN money is recording the predictions of Apple's financial results made by a group of analysts. They look at the predictions and the actual numbers that come out and score the analysts by accuracy on 9 separate factors. There are 11 'unaffiliated' analysts - either complete amateurs/bloggers or professional analysts who work freelance and 30 'affiliated' analysts - who all work for investment banks, financial consultancies etc.

Compiling the list as a table, 9 of the top 10 spots are held by amateurs/freelancers. All the bottom 20 spots are held by 'professionals'.

Next time someone tells you that merchant banks/investment houses need to pay enormous salaries or bonuses to keep 'the best minds and brightest talents', you might want to refer them to this story...

I saw that elsewhere and it makes the claims of superior service by Wall Sreet over the average investor look like spin. Personally I think that much of the city treats everyone else like sheep, just to fleece them. The markets have a far too short-term outlook. Some times you might do better with a blindfold and a pin.