How to get a "big picture" of the market you're trying to enter?
I would be more concerned about your own big picture first.
If you want to get into the market you should wait for an Opportunity.
You can invest in Stocks, Metals or Property.
If the Market Crashes - Buy
Metals are on the way down - When they hit bottom Buy
When the Derivative bubble bursts property will be super cheap - Buy
Then then hold and grow your cash position till an opportunity presents itself.