rather than pick out individual stocks to trade, it can often be worthwhile to trade the indices themselves, especially in times of high volatility.

for those so inclined, i attach below charts for FTSE and FTSE 250, though one might equally be tempted to trade Dow or S&P, which is significantly broader in its coverage, or even NASDAQ

for ease of reading, i have attached 1 year and 3 month charts in each instance

well done shortie ..... i'm running a small dow long from 16115 ..... it was a bit hairy for a bit but has now struggled into profit (16128) ..... assuredly shan't be greedy

Thanks Cynic, I'm debating a DOW position, +80 today wouldn't surprise me to close back on short term support.

The Dax is lagging -115 right now bucking the FTSE, Wall St trend.. Think I'll keep an eye on it.

for the moment, i have closed dow for just +13, as it seems disinclined to do anything enthusiastic

well played shortie.

Thanks Chris.

Cynic, a profits a profit, well done..

9306 gone long on the DAX

surely DAX is closed now, or does it run on and on rather like ftse when dow is operating?

Haven't played the Dow for years, managed a quick long for +14 but shouldn't have bothered - a scrap from the table really.

and i'm very glad i didn't have a further dabble as i'm sure i'ld have gone long
shortie is the whizz for this sort of thing, but i think the dow, and thus all other markets, could still have a long way to fall - i.e. 15,000 or thereabouts

even if that is the case, then it will not of course be in a straight line, and if putin finally stops his macho-imaging (not too hopeful about that), then the game could quickly change back again

Gald I closed the DAX Friday pm, got out at just under break even. I have no positions in indicies at the moment.

Cynic - DAX runs on with the FTSE after the close whilst other indicies such as the DOW are live.

Scalped a quick Ftse short out @ 6526.9 +16.50. That's me done for the day..

too dangerous and scary, so am just sitting on my hands (i hope!)

it's scary just sitting on the sidelines and watching ......
FTSE opened down about 20 and then recovered pretty much to b/e and is now down 50+

Makes you laugh Putin shakes his fist and the stockmarket crumbles ,i did think we were going to have a bounce today .
I'm in deficit with several trades now ,i suppose you would call me a holder :)

jimmy - that's a bit naive of you, but it's hard (too scary) to believe that it will all end in fisticuffs

meanwhile, because i'm a total arsehole, i have just opened a small dow long at 16033

6523.3 going long FTSE

6527.8 position closed. +4.5

hope that was a VERY BIG punt for a measly 4.5 points :-)