Apparently markets can head a direction other than down. Not to sound overly short-termist, but the past week has been an absolutely brutal one for investors. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average
Both the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 took the Dow's cue and rose 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively. The market's so-called "fear gauge," or the VIX
Around the markets
Today's trading session featured several important storylines. In technology, Facebook continued its slow march south, giving up yet another 3.8% and marking yet again a new all-time low for the social-networking website. Shares of online content delivery provider Akamai Technologies posted a Facebook-esque loss as well today, dropping 3.2%. News surfaced today that Netflix
Highly volatile stocks also rebounded strongly today. Shares of medical-device maker MAKO Surgical
Where do we go from here?
As the past several weeks clearly reinforced for investors, major macroeconomic storylines primarily move the market. With so many storylines still evolving, especially in Europe, investors should maintain a conservative stance. Times like the present, which could precede a major market sell-off, serve as perfect opportunities to find stocks you'll want to buy if things indeed get worse -- stocks that can help fund a retirement. That's why The Motley Fool recently issued a research report detailing three great stocks for retirement savers. If markets continue to pull back, you'll absolutely want to know more about these stocks that have all the makings of long-term winner, so grab your free copy today.