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

Good news for anyone invested in infrastructure plays.


Multi-billion pound push on UK economy

A multi-billion investment programme aimed at getting Britain's economy moving is set to be announced.

Most of the money is expected to come from the big British pension funds, as well as Chinese investment.

However, 5bn will be paid for by further cuts in the present spending round.

Various road schemes around Britain and rail lines in Newcastle and between Manchester and Leeds are thought to be among 40 projects earmarked for help.

It comes ahead of Tuesday's autumn statement in which Chancellor George Osborne will outline spending plans.

The government says the initiative, called the National Infrastructure Plan, would see it and private investors support both social and economic schemes over the coming decade .

Just gone short UKX @5,273.

DOW futures looking very good at mo, skinny (+285). Watch out!

Harry - yes I have one eye on them - its difficult (atm) to believe it when the market gains over 2% that it will last the day.

run a trailing stop perhaps?

I've got an oco in until it shows some direction - new homes figures and our own inflation reporting at 3pm.

this morning, have banked profits on long dow and rbs and bought gingerly into bdev, rkh and tlw ..... this will be a long and slow rebuilding process

Brave decision Mr C. I saw a very bleak report out this morning predicting further falls of UK house prices next year and commenting that the new MIG assistance from the government isn't going to affect a big enough proportion of the market to make much difference. A bit too early, imo, but definitely on my watch list.

I have TW. - but as I've said before, they are effectively free from 2009. I quite like the look of BDEV and do monitor them, but do not hold currently.

OECD warns of European recession

The OECD has warned that the eurozone and UK could be entering a recession, and has cut its global growth forecast.

The OECD predicted the eurozone economy would shrink in the fourth quarter by 1%, and by 0.4% in the first quarter of next year.

For the UK, the OECD's predictions are a 0.03% contraction this quarter, and a further 0.15% next.

The group also revised down its forecast for global economic growth to 3.8% this year and 3.4% next year.

New home sales 307k consensus 313k

The rally hardly unexpected, the markets were not going to keep down day after day, a bit of a shame it started with a big gap up last night :(

I don't really see the rally lasting for long and am targeting 11800 on the DOW and 5400 on the FTSE as potential levels to short. Will also keep an eye on Cable and Fibre for any clues as to whether this move will be sustained or short lived.

Just gone short @5,389

How did it go, skinny? ;o)

Er - not well!

Bloody Hell - DOW up nearly 500 points & Spurs losing to 10 greeks!!! Can't be many surprises left in life, surely!?

MANU 1 Crystal Palace 2 LOL Where's that gobshite Bernard :O)

Can't believe the FTSE is down after such a stonking day yesterday from the DOW. British reserve and modesty I assume?

Manufacturing PMI 47.6 consensus 47.1.

Bank of England governor has warned of possible break up of eurozone. Told banks to not pay bonuses and hang on to cash. More storms on the way. Very serious.