Gold futures soar to a new record high just below $1,050 an ounce on Wednesday, as the dollar falls against the yen.

Mining shares drag on the South African stock market as the rand falls against the dollar, on after the government reports a drop in the countryâ??s mining production in the first quarter.

Although U.S. equities have now marked an ignominous milestone -- the Dow industrials have been cut in half from their October 2007 high -- the technicals arenâ??t signaling, just yet, a tradable low for investors. The volatility indicator suggests investor complacency hasn't run its course, and any breaks toward resistance levels are likely to draw sellers into the market. All told, a more decisive break under the market's 2002 lows looks increasingly likely.

Are unhappy days here again? Doom-and-gloom letters have a great January.

The S&P 500 just staged its worst January on record. Its downturn bodes poorly for the U.S. markets' near-term outlook.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Following Is an Investment Opinion Being Issued by Ridgewater Equity (RWE).

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Following Is an Investment Opinion Being Issued by WallStSense.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Following Is an Investment Opinion Being Issued by RothmanResearch.com.