Sell in May and go away?
Spring is known as a season of rebirth and renewal. For golfers like me, it also means The Masters golf tournament, known as "A Tradition Unlike Any Other." Unfortunately for investors, another tradition unlike any other, the inescapable "sell in May and go away" effect, is playing out just as intended thus far. After beginning the month with a 65-point positive head-fake, the Dow Jones Industrial Average
It's all in the data
In addition to continued focus on Europe, investors will be paying close attention to weekly jobless claims data out this morning. Expectations call for a rise of 5,000 to 370,000, with anything meaningfully above that likely to weigh on stocks in early trading. Also, expect natural-gas stocks like Chesapeake Energy
Stocks in focus
Unfortunately, earnings from Dow component Cisco Systems
Away from the Dow, eyes will be on earnings after the close from Nuance Communications
Making sense of the noise
Emotional decision making is an investor's worst enemy. While it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day gyrations of the stock market, the best course of action is to develop a well-thought-out investment strategy based on your personal goals and circumstances -- and stay the course. It also doesn't hurt to have some great help. Our financial planning pros at The Motley Fool can do just that, which is why we're offering a special report entitled "3 Stocks That Will Help you Retire Rich." It's yours free for a limited time only.