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

you can, but with the indices spiking both up and down at a moment's notice, it's very difficult to set levels that won't get hit - usually when you're in the other direction!

Ah so stop losses are not guaranteed are they? unless you pay extra is that right?

DOW futures -300?

Does the DOW hold 16000 ,the FTSE 5800 , oil is 29.50 ,this is crazy .

And dollar index is down too, now 98.6 from 99.2

QE unwinding, is that right DJ down 350.
2517

US retail sales figures doing the damage it seems.
DOW futures now -400

Gone long FTSE 100 5783

well i've just got back from the gym and truly delighted i had nothing running while i was out!

Volatility !!!!!!!!!!!!

Mad !!!

i missed the chance to buy DOW at 15,978 as had only just walked in
with a tiny stake, i eventually bought at 16,044 on the basis that i don't mind topping that up if the opportunity looks right

15978 again

i know, so i bravely (stupidly if it all dives another 100) topped up at 15977

oil and pound are moving down.

Footsie short closed to a very satisfactory week.

I opened one at 15976 but don't intend to stay in long , iv'e dived in and out a few times FTSE but don't have much confidence in this at the moment .

Out for 52 points .

banked 2nd position for 50 points and will leave 1st running (16044) with limit at 16075 (proof of non-greed!)