Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Nosedive

A sell-off in China got the bearish ball rolling for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and trade data -- as well as the expected impact on first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) -- exacerbated selling pressure. In addition, speculators eyed crude oil's surge, as well as reports that the International Monetary Fund could cut the purse strings for Greece.

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

• Why can't bears get behind this biotech that's more than doubled in the past year?
• M&A speculation sent one commodity stock flying, while another got a lift from oil's big day. 
• Baidu Inc (ADR) (NASDAQ:BIDU) was just one of several Chinese Internet stocks that got slammed today. 
• Plus ... the trade gap widens, Panera follows Chipotle, and is Blackberry due?

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,928.20) steepened its slide throughout the session, settling 142.2 points, or 0.8%, lower to give back the 18,000 level. Visa Inc (NYSE:V) was the only Dow component in positive territory at the close, adding 0.6%. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) was the biggest loser, giving back 2.3%, while McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) finished flat.  

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,089.46) was hit hard, as well. The index surrendered 25 points, or 1.2%, leaving behind the all-important 2,100 level. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,939.33) was even worse off, falling below 5,000 with a 77.6-point, or 1.6%, loss. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 14.31) surged higher, adding 1.5 points, or 11.4%, to take out its 20-day moving average. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. U.S. imports skyrocketed in March, bringing the country's trade deficit to its highest point in over six years. Economists are now saying this could mean a contraction in first-quarter GDP. (Reuters)
2. Panera Bread Co (NASDAQ:PNRA) plans to reconsider over 150 ingredients  in an effort to offer healthier foods. The move comes only a few days after sector peer Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) announced it would no longer use genetically modified (GMO) ingredients.
3. Is BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) due for a short-term bounce?
4. 3 of the biggest movers on the day. 
5. Estee Lauder Companies Inc's (NYSE:EL) blowout quarter took it to new heights today.

Commodities:

Crude oil shot higher today, as protests in Libya raised questions about supply. At the close, June-dated crude was up $1.47, or 2.5%, at $60.40 per barrel -- black gold's highest perch in nearly five months.

Gold futures moved higher as well, thanks to a cooling dollar and demand for "safe haven" investments. Gold for June delivery closed $6.40, or 0.5%, higher at $1,193.30 per ounce.