New Delhi, April 16 -- Wall Street's ambivalence toward retail investors was summed up by Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., explaining what convinced him to get out of the stock market before the Crash of 1929.

It was, he said, unsolicited investing advice from the guy polishing his wingtips.

"When the shoeshine boys have tips, the stock market is too popular for its own good," said Kennedy, who sold short and made a fortune, giving rise to an American political dynasty.

The story seems too perfect to be true, but it underscores the basic tension between Wall Street and individual investors. Wall Street wants their money, it just doesn't want them.

In the eyes of the pros, the "little guy" is easily sold on the latest racket, and prone to panic ...