Correction: Dow has risen 33% since March.
Of course it has. It tanked when McCain was up in the polls, it was manipulated to rise so that he can get his Communist bills passed. Smoke and mirrors. Just wait and watch,
Correction: The March 6-9 crash was an anomaly. You should be looking at YTD numbers that are pretty much flat since the 9/08 fall that was expected due to the bubble.
DOW 8300 is pretty much the average/norm nowadays and will probably continue in 8000 -8700 range for at least another (2) quarters, if not another (2) years with the Marxists' spending. And yes, we could see a drop down to mid to low 70's if things continue to deteriorate (buying opportunity if you have the cash).
Emerging markets (BRIC) is where the money is being made. I'm up 22% (realized) from 1/09 to 6/09. What's the S&P done? 1.2% YTD? Maybe I was just lucky - don't think so. I did my homework on the companies I bought and didn't get greedy and sold at a decent profit.
Best advice: Check out Motley Fools...they have been are still ahead of the curve.