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

Doji on the daily FTSE - so maybe more weakness to come?

6740 next downside short term support.

Ex-divs to take 1 point off FTSE 100 on May 28

LONDON, May 23 (Reuters) - The following FTSE 100 .FTSE companies will go ex-dividend on Wednesday, after which investors will no longer qualify for the latest dividend payout. According to Reuters calculations at current market prices, the effect of the resulting adjustment to prices by market-makers would take 1.03 points off the index. COMPANY (RIC) DIVIDEND STOCK OPTION MAX MIN (pence) IMPACT IMPACT M&S MKS.L 10.80 N/A 0.698 0.698 WHITBREAD WTB.L 47.00 N/A 0.336 0.336 Among FTSE 250 .FTMC companies going ex-dividend are: COMPANY (RIC) DIVIDEND (pence) AMEC AMEC.L 28.50 BRITVIC BVIC.L 6.10 BELLWAY BWY.L 16.00 CABLE & WIRLESS CWC.L 2.67 US Cents DCC DCC.L 50.73 GT PORTLAND GPOR.L 5.40 INCHCAPE INCH.L 11.70 MARSTONS MARS.L 2.40 NMC HEALTH NMC.L 4.44 PREMIER FARNELL PFL.L 6.00 SPECTRIS SXS.L 28.00

Blimey - that's early - probably making up for being so late this week.

The 3 that I have written down for next week are MKLW 9.04p, MARS 2.4p (which I hold anyway) and WTB 47p, for divi plays.

Worth noting (or not) TW goes ex on 04th June for a special dividend @1.54p.

I was straight on WTB also, maybe another nice Provident earner. Chart doesn't look so good though, maybe have a look at Inchcape later.

You still holding short Cynic?

16596 Gone short on Wall St.

Overbougt on the 15min

FTSE 10 minute looks weird for the last 40 minutes - calm before the storm?

yes shortie - just come back from the golf course - i just added same "small beer" at 16594.7

all quiet before long w/e, but surprised no profit taking.
anyway no harm done with the extra short

cash dow somewhat mysteriously shows +56 to 16663 even though usa is shut as is uk ..... and as far i can see, european markets have not moped greatly either

probably rashly, i have therefore opened another "small beer" short = average 16586.5
fingers x-ed :-)

Short FTSE @6,843.6.

And again @6,855.4.

short 9929 on Dax

Anyone think we are heading for a downturn ? it just looks overheated to me .
I have gambled and taken some profits on a couple ,if i'm wrong they will probably carry on up without me .

it can never be wrong to bank a profit .... wish i listened sometimes :-)

1 point off the FTSE tonight for ex dividends.