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

cynic even if that happens it's not the end of the world,life goes on, some think rating agencies are so far up their own arseoles they can't see the "wood from the trees".

true in principle but in practice i daren't think of the quantum of collapse one would see in world markets, and continuing reverberations for a very long time too

Told you we're all doomed.

cynic no doubt there would be a "kneejerk" reaction to a downgrading, but what a buying opportunity!

Halifax - I'm with you. At the moment enjoying the summer and golf season. Scalping 20 points a day on Ftse and not much else, let the muppets trade or attempt to trade this circus. :O)

where do you play chris?

cynic - Aberdeen, Kings Links council course, play out of one of three clubs opposite. Medals Sat and Wed, club comps between.

i go to aberdeen very occasionally to visit some oily clients of ours ..... loved the snow this year and just avoided being stranded!

Lived up here 10 years now and last winter was the worst I have ever seen for snow.

Doomed

Initial unemployment claims fall below 400,000 for the first time in more than 3 months, dropping 24,000 to 398,000 in latest week.

will the market just shrug or have at least a quick burst for glory in relief?

cynic the market is being totally "rabbit in the headlights" because of all the scaremongering journos predicting that the US will go bankrupt next week. Doesn't anybody realise that every second of every day tax revenues are being collected, and as long as that is the case the US remains solvent.

and why would anyone actually believe that a deal will not be struck - it's the same nonsense every damn year

We're doomed.

U.S. economy grew at a 1.3% annual rate in the second quarter of 2011. Stock futures fall sharply.
another stinker in prospect

Approx -135 at the open.

Bloody yanks

looks like we're doomed K!

Added to gold @1629 - hmmmmmmm.

long HOC @ 475.1