The Dow has struggled so far in 2014 - down 6.8% year to date. For some perspective, today's chart illustrates the overall trend of the stock market (as measured by the Dow) since 2003. As today's chart illustrates, the Dow has benefited from a strong upward trend since early 2009 (see upward sloping green trendline). This year, however, the Dow has sold off sharply due to concerns over steep declines in emerging markets. The Dow's steep decline has been significant enough to result in a break below long-standing support (upward sloping green trendline).