Gold mining stocks have been steadily increasing dividends (effectively doubling their yield over the past twelve months) and are expected to make record payouts this year.

FORBES: Panning for Stocks

New York City Public Advocate Bill de Brasio released a list of investment firms that owned gun stocks in hopes of increasing the outcry and derision.

FORBES: The World's Hottest Hedge Fund, Tiger Global, Has Quietly Sold Its Gun Stock

Credit also was used to buy stocks on margin, greatly increasing the market's volume and volatility.

CNN: Commentary: Is it 1929 all over again?