The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 213 points for the largest point drop so far this year and the lowest since Feb. 2.  This was also the Dow's fifth down day in a row.

Europe's economic crisis, the disappointing jobs report and the diminished prospect of help from the Federal Reserve have been weighing on the markets.

It may be worth keeping in mind that U.S. stock markets have been sharply higher in recent months, and are trading well above the financial crisis low of 6,547.05 in March 2009.