On Monday, a downgrade of Intel coupled with continued concern over rising oil prices sent stocks down nearly a percent. The Dow experienced yet another 100+ point day, this time in the positive direction on Tuesday after Bank of America announced it hopes to increase dividends and buy back shares of its stock. Wednesday marked the two year anniversary of the low point in the recent bear market, with the major indexes changing very little. The S&P 500 has nearly doubled from its March 2009 low. On Thursday, the Dow dipped below 12,000 as it shed nearly 2% on continued Middle East/North Africa fears. The magnitude 8.9 earthquake in Japan on Friday was not perceived to be a threat to the recovering world economy, as stocks made moderate gains.

Increased volatility marked this week’s trading, with all the major indexes taking a hit.

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