The following video is part of our "Talking Stocks" series, in which Motley Fool analyst Austin Smith discusses trends from across the investing universe.

In today's edition, Austin looks at why the markets are falling today. Of course, the usual overhang about European pessimism lingers, but now we also have disappointing retail sales figures to chew on, as well as the IMF's revision of global GDP estimates down to 3.9% for 2013 compared to prior estimates of 4.1%. On the Dow, the biggest winner from Friday, JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM) is actually today's biggest loser. My, how the tables have turned!

But it's still a great time to invest. The Volatility Index (INDEX: ^VIX) is still less 17, well below some of the peaks we investors have survived over the last few years, and far less than the high-water mark near 45 we hit last August.

That doesn't mean investors don't want a little added peace of mind, and there is no better way to get it than solid income-producing stocks. If you're interested in learning more about some outstanding high-yielders, The Motley Fool has compiled a special free report outlining our top nine dependable, dividend-paying stocks. It's called "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." You can access your copy today at no cost! Just click here to discover the winners we've picked.