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

Thanks for the info, Chocolat. Should be plenty of opportunities for shorting then - but from a higher starting position than my hopeless attempt last night ('short' is still a new concept to me!)

Well, that's rather annoying, contemplated a DJ long this morning at 12200, moved up 25pts since I looked 10 mins ago; must stop contemplating!

Toya, you have email.

PT - I did similar on FTSE - considered a long - but I have been caught once or twice trading in first 15 minutes after open - so decided to sit on hands and go back to bed for 30 minutes. - wrong - up 30 ponts already

seems like the dollar is biting back this morning with gold and oil reversing

Well, the git is up 100 pts now since shortly before 8 'clock :(

git ?

It's a git cos I didn't trade it :(

there was I thinking Gold Index Trades, Gilt Index !! LOL.

I am still long on FTSE

I think cynic was contemplating placing a long last night - I wonder if he did ?

Just got stopped out at 5750 - whilst having breakfast !!! - but cleared a modest 150 - so thats ok

Nice one, 150 profit per day isn't actually a bad salary on an annualised basis. I haven't touched the Indicies this morning preferring to prat about with the EUR/JPY pair over on FX, but in profit as well so happy enough. Off to play golf now whilst the sunshine lasts, back later for some DOW fiddling :)

If only I could do that on a consistent basis - it would supplement the pension nicely.

I thought I was brilliant getting a 30 profit hasn't supplemented the pension as I'm still trying to claw back a 200 loss. Think Ftse may falter now after rises this am will,as usual probably deliberate for too long.

Just seen this on the CNN website; click the link below:
CNN - Stocks ready to roll

Should mean a good opportunity on the DOW today.

PTH: thanks for your message. Have replied but never know whether the system actually works!

Unfortunately I am out for lunch and no power this pm - so will have to duck this time - but it does seem a good opportunity for Dow - although index up 75 already on futures.

Toya - I hope you took advantage of the rise you predicted ?? I am too late

I have just taken a short on the FTSE at 5812 !!!

Oops - too soon me thinks

I got in at 5765 long but had to go out so set a limit !!!!!!!!!!!!!! got stopped out way too soon b****r
Think I'll take a short now.

I have gone short again at 5835 too - hoping there wont be a final flurry !!