[rdtwo]

Only if you own paper debt assets like bonds. If you own dividend paying stock or property you are going to be fine. If you buy stock in a company with a heavy debt load that is slowly digging it’s way it (not sure they exist) you might come out a big winner

[bityard]

Key word there, might. Even people who's actual job it is to pick winners and losers do worse in aggregate than an index fund.

[vineyardmike]

> do worse in aggregate than an index fund.

This is widely stated, but only barely accurate sentiment.

First, index funds do good at 1 thing - which is provide "market returns". Market returns is basically defined by an index, so naturally the definition is circular. The parent mentioned dividends, which are not the normal target for investors (but useful for retirees and others who want an "income" from investment). Dividend stocks may do worse at beating market returns, but better at income generation.

[ethbr0]

> company with a heavy debt load that is slowly digging [its] way [out?]

Telecom? Utilities? Mining?