A case for trading: Did you know?

The S&P500 index first crossed the 1100 mark on March 3rd, 1998 to close that day at 1105.65. Today on July 22 , 2010 the S&P500 closed at 1093.67. We have gone nowhere. I remember it was around that time the big push was for index funds. I wonder how many billions and billions of dollars Vanguard and others have made during this period vs. their investors. The answer is clear. Just a thought.