ur inference is incorrect. last yr the stock market achieved a growth of around 48 percent whereas some high-flying funds like reliance came out with outstanding returns of more than 70 percent.
while investing in mutual funds u have the benefit of the services of a professional well-versed in the stock market nuanses.
please do not plunge into the market direct. u r likely to lose. start with mutual funds that too through systematic investment plans of say 10 top funds and earn sufficient experience for atleast one year. then u can enter with confidence.
should u require any specific guidance please write, at ur option, to me
phoenyx108@hotmail.com s muthusubramanian, retd.chief manager,sbi.