As the short-term QE3 storyline has officially played out, investors have once again shifted their focus to the fiscal troubles in Europe and the looming fiscal cliff. Stocks have suffered mightly over the past few trading days, and today was no different, as all three major U.S. stock indexes posted declines. However, that wasn't nearly the only storyline worth investors' attention today. Our tech analyst breaks down what happened in the equity markets today with your daily market update.

Despite all the pain from the recent market declines, we all would like to build long-term wealth and retire well. In our free report "3 Stocks That Will Help You Retire Rich," we reveal some stocks that could help you as well as some winning wealth-building strategies. Click here to keep reading.