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

clues in divergence,volume will save us.bungee rope effect.the last 8 quarters analysts underestimate earnings est. avg 5 % consistently, in 2008 last 6 quarters overestimate avg by 31%.

"I don't think there is any more of note (economically) today?

Just the witching to come in the states."

Probably just as well. The Philly Fed manufacturing figures yesterday were very bad.

That was the big sell at 3 when I closed my short. As I said, that must have taken out a good few stops. I'm less sure today - futures only -100 atm so probably a day to be long :-))

surely a day to be doing nothing at all ...... somehow, i have 3 stocks in positive territory today; POG, BLNX and GKP

Sounds good to me.lol

Probably not a bad idea cynic. I've got a few blue - sadly not AU.

Bit of a "whore's drawers" day with 5000.

Anyone like to hazard a guess at market direction once the US gets going?

South

and then North :-)

north south north south north south south north north south north south.

50/50 chance of being right Bernard! Could be one of those up a bit down a bit days.

Just missed taking a Cable short as it came short of res by 5 pips; for the sake of 5 pips I really should have taken the trade!

I have closed all my positions now as don't have a clue what will happen at 14.30

I think that's the general consensus!

I have futures -160, very tempted to have a small long. Hmmmmm

Gone long @10851 - won't hang around though.

North has it

Out 10903 +52 :-)

Went long at 10867 but bottled it straight away and closed for +1

I have a feeling it will end up but happy to watch now for a bit. I have some silly orders in for the day on VOD & AV. and er LLOY.