The Dow Jones Industrial Average
The news
Frankly, there isn't much going on that's pushing shares lower today. There are pockets of activity, but no real macro news to cite.
Dow Jones component Coca-Cola
Another Dow Jones component, Microsoft, is also making waves today, but it's not being reflected in their shares, which are looking flattish right now. That's because while its $300 million investment with Barnes & Noble
What to watch
My guess is the markets hang out at current levels, holding their breath until the employment report is released this Friday. Employment levels continue to be the big market movers, generally trumping high gas prices and international jitters right now. The forecast and market expectation is for unemployment to hold at 8.2%, the same as the prior period.
The best approach
Watching the broad market each day is exciting, gut-wrenching, and stressful, but investing doesn't have to be. If you're in the mood to pick up a great company to buy for the long term, The Motley Fool has created a brand-new free report: "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2012." It features a company hand-selected by the Fool's chief investment officer that has a strong future ahead of it. Get access to the report and find out the name of this legendary company. The report is free, but won't be forever, so check it out today.