Markets are nearing a critical moment in the year as earnings season draws to a close. After a strong first quarter, a number of blue chip firms are reporting strong earnings, keeping optimism levels high for the time being. But with euro debt problems arising in countries like Ireland, Spain, and Portugal, it seems like 2012 may repeat last year’s performance. After a strong beginning of the year, stocks were battered as the Greek debt crisis and a downgrade of U.S. debts wreaked havoc on trading. Those who were unfortunate enough to have equity-heavy portfolios were invariably slaughtered to close out the year, leaving frustration where there had been strong gains [see also Three Reasons Why Gold Is Overvalued ]. See the full story here →