How to use stock options to both leverage AND hedge your positions to maximize your profits while minimizing your risks.

Will Japan be the straw that breaks the back of the bulls or will they shake this off, like thay have all bad news since mid-October?

So close, and yet so far. Our 5% Rule™ dictates that we need to have two consecutive DAYS (not just closes) above one of our support levels before we consider it as a real sign and, yesterday, the Dow did FINALLY hold its critical "Must Hold" line at 17,600.

So far, the Russell is the only index that's gone through a full 10% correction – falling from 1,180 in early September to 1,050 yesterday – actually 11% – so far.

When did we forget that markets do not go straight up forever? Has the constant Fed meddling left us with nothing but skittish investors, who cut and run at the first inkling of pain?

As with skiing, a nice drop can be lots of fun – if you are ready for it. If not, things can get broken…