<prompt> Human: My father claims that the stock exchange just takes money from the middle class more uninformed investors with savings, and gives it to professionals like investment bankers.I dont know if I agree with him or not, is a successful investor someone who is just lucky and is riding on other peoples coat tails.Furthermore, how can money be made on a stock exchange, when literally nothing of value has been produced. When people trade stocks on a stock exchange and the value increase - share holders have gained wealth - but why? They sold no goods, provided no service and made nothing of value.This is a bit abstract, but can someone explain to me why the stock exchange is attractive to your average joe - other than the well if you look over the last 20 years you would have made money - argument.Thanks in advance  <response>: This is a bit abstract, but can someone explain to me why the stock exchange is attractive to your average joe - other than the well if you look over the last 20 years you would have made money There is no other than. It is attractive to the average joe because the market as a whole has generated a higher return than a savings account over the span of yearsdecades.It is attractive to some because it is perceived as a way to get rich quick. In most cases, it is not. 