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

Richard, I have yr mobile number, ends in a 5

that's the one!

well that was a good call, and have banked the profit on Dow at 9681 ..... bit slow on the button, but still more than happy ..... now watching to see what happens next - currently trying to head south again

Well done. Seems to be running out of steam (looking at the DOW figure on the CNBC website anyway). Looking at my watchlist I assume FTSE is coming off too...

Strawbs.

FTSE now only +120 ..... went long Dow again at an average of 9563, but shall watch like a hawk and assuredly not be greedy

Make sure you don't give it all back.... ;-)

Can't be that easy to make money surely.... LOL.

Strawbs.

it's a damn sight easier when poxy clients don't call just when you are about to close!

Poxy clients... lol, Richard, your number start with a '0'? and also a '7'...?
Well i did state you have to buy when everyone is predicting the world to end... have closed a couple positions today and (prematurely) yesterday, i believe consolidation today before push to 10,200 although haven't checked for an hour or so, - could easily be below 9000 now!

currently farting around the 9400 level

Equity market "happy pills" have worn off I see....

Strawbs.

biggest one day drop on the cards.

some miners down 25%

BG down 12%!

No end to this......!,

What bothers me is : Are we heading for a dramatic drop ? all of a sudden !....I bloody hope not ! (sorry about the swear word !), because then we will be looking at the 1930's again !.

The end will probably come when the speculators run out of money.... These constant swings are a sure sign people are just gambling, not investing. Same thing happened in 1929 as Galbraith pointed out in his book.

In my opinion.

Strawbs.

Don't worry about it.

I think it is forced selling by Hedge funds with their margain calls. It isn't a reflection of any company.

and also strawbs, my understanding is that these massive swings are a sign that a bottom is being reached.

Perhaps you'll correct me with your grasp of hisory which to be frank 'I ain't got mate' ;-)

Bottoms normally require some kind of capitulation moment. A massive high volume drop that washes out all the rubbish. I don't think we've had that yet. We may not even get it. Maybe things will just continue to bleed until the markets settle down. I don't see any hurry to get back into equities, and if others (like me) are worried about job security going forward, there may even be every reason to sell existing holdings.

In my opinion...

Strawbs.

Thanks Strawbs.....that really cheers me up......now :the rope or beachy head ?.

Look on the bright side.... I could be wrong.... ;-)

Strawbs

Well there was a turn at 730 am wonder if 730pm will produce the bull goods?