The Dow is dropping occasionally, because of the uncertain future as regards to; taxes/laws coming out of the one-party rulers in Washington, D.C. Corporations, and investors, (me included) are sitting on record amounts of cash, because of this uncertainty. I've never in my life had as much cash on-the-sidelines as the past 18 months.

As for banks showing record profits? It is because of all the money they're making speculating on commodities, especially in the crude oil market. Rewards are too large for them in speculating, so there's no need to get involved in something risky, like lending money.