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

Average 6786.5 FTSE now on shorts.

The nine members of the Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep rates at 0.5%, as expected.

They agreed that while "employment had continued to increase robustly... wage growth had been surprisingly weak".

Wage growth excluding bonuses slowed to a record low 0.7% in the three months to May.

The committee also said there might be a "modest slowing in output growth" in the second half of the year.

The minutes read: "There were early signs that global growth was weakening, and an unexpected increase in interest rates when real wages were not yet rising could... destabilise the recovery.

"The committee agreed that no increase was warranted at this meeting, although for some members the decision had become more balanced in the past few months than earlier in the year".

Just taken +20 from a FTSE long @6797.7 - odd feeling atm.

Have a cup of tea -):

Yeah, take a break, have a few days off, the markets will still be here when you get back... Corsica looks nice this time of year.

That's very British Stan , if in doubt have a cup of tea ..

Absolutely James, just like cardigans -):

closed a small dow long for +20 that i've held for a few days .... all a bit lacklustre

Yes - I must renew my passport.

Looking to short from 6,835/45

A certain SB company playing silly buggers with index closing quotes!

Think they pretty much all do it Skinny.

I know - its so bloody blatant (and annoying) and prevented me from closing a FTSE short - hey ho - its Friday and the sun is out.

not difficult to avoid twitchy fingers today
if dow drops back to 17000, which i think may well be the case, then i'll probably dabble long

Well that closed it ! :-)

modest long dow at 16985 ...... wait and see time :-)

Where is everyone. ?

This thread as gone to the dogs.

shame.

Just back from holidays :-)

Been laid low by a spot of major heart surgery. Back on parade now though, ready for a of few gentle, therapeutic, months of trading the DOW. Hope to post more as my hand steadies. It is comforting to share trading banter on this thread and I wish I had more to contribute, but am a lightweight compared to most on here.

.

Or ..

FTSE / DOW