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

Some good news from Japan, China back from NY hols. are two of them.

FTSE 100 locked for first 10 mins with CMC.

Same with IG plus they still have a 5 point spread .

saw the japan bit, but just as the collapse was puzzling, so is this sudden surge
arguably just bears being squeezed via automatic computer trading

it happens that i already held a small FTSE long over w/e - took profits on others on friday - but hard to judge whether or not to sell into the rally ..... hmm!

Cap spreads ditto 5 point spread, no sense of humour.

hi chris ..... that spread may narrow (to 2?) after 08:30

"friend" at least didn't try to claim that he'd got out at the top with gold, but bet he isn't short either ...... silly old bugger he is!

No Dow today C so will the fts keep up the good work on it's own? Would take the profit myself to be safe but.. who knows.

To be honest cynic re friend buy low sell high has never been his forte, but who cares.
Re - Caps been a long time since 5 point spread at the open.

don't knock the boy too much ..... i agree he can be a total arsehole, but he's actually ok and certainly comes up with some good ideas etc

I have said nowt, you dragged him up :0)

Caps back to 1 point spread.

IG now have 2 pt spread

the big Q is what to do now .... as a holder, it's easy; one just enjoys the ride
however, does one dare to put extra into the ring?

perhaps S&P is the one to watch ..... it's already shot through some key supposed resistance levels, and is now close to attacking 1890 ..... if that is pierced, then a DOW long (or S&P if that is your choice) looks a good bet

Bear market rally, ride it with trailing stop. Or scalp would be my guess.

i think you're right, though these rallies can have long legs

Indeed cynic.

as i'm out for most of the next 2 days, i have decided to bank a very nice 100 points from FTSE ....... i can now watch sufficiently to re-enter the fray should i so choose

Me out to, good luck all.

Not sure now what to do.

Have a cuppa -):