What a Week: Bear Blast

The old saying goes that March weather comes in like a lion but goes out like a lamb. Well, in New York, the weather this week went out like a lion, and the stock market likewise went out like a bear.

Traders endured a third week of volatility and mixed economic messages, as the three major indices ended with a whimper. Market-players can't be sure if this correction is turning into a bear market or if it is just a correction. And with Friday's bad weather, many of the "decision makers" weren't on trading desks to step in and buy on the weakness.

Economically speaking, traders could take their pick and worry about slow growth as Tuesday's weak retail sales figures stirred up fear that the subprime mortgage meltdown will cause the consumer to melt down. ...