Intel stock

Despite today's rally -- which saw the Dow headed for its third straight day of gains, making up most of last week's 737-point plunge -- signs point to the stock market continuing to fall. Here's how to protect and grow your portfolio.

Intel announced plans Wednesday to begin high-volume manufacturing of chips with its long-awaited tri-gate transistors, a move that analysts say will put it far ahead of its competitors in the long-term with regards to its ability to shrink the size of computer chips and enhance their power.

Intel's stock is up just 2% this year compared to the Nasdaq's 17% rise, and investors fret that the explosive growth of smartphones and tablets will crimp the market for the PC chips that produce the bulk of Intel's revenue. But the tech giant has a plan.

Intel announced Friday that it is increasing its quarterly dividend by 15% to 18 cents per share, and the world's largest microchip maker said it's on track to have its "best year ever."

Shares of computer makers Intel Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. were downgraded by UBS amid concerns that weak demand will force the companies to dramatically cut prices.