Over the short-term, stocks can be battered or buoyed by any number of market-changing events. Announcements about inflation, interest rates and other economic news – good or bad – can push the market up or down.

Recent record Dow highs and yesterday's near record high for the S&P 500 encourage people to jump into the stock market without careful research or a plan. Experienced investors know the stock market is best suited for long-term goals.