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

almost akin to minor earthquake in patagonia; no casualties reported

Managed to scalp + 25 on Dow overnight (at work). In Long both UKX and Dow this morn. Sometimes the bleedin obvious (short) seems too bleedin obvious :O)

I'm hovering on a short :-) - currently quoted @13,088.

that construction sector index is a pretty lively thing ..... it started at -5 and is now +20 after +40

I've set up a DOW short at 13120 - in case it lashes out to reach up there. May edit it down later

cynic - it isn't purely a construction index. It (Household Goods & Home Construction) also tracks companies such as RB. and CHH.

There should be some support for Apple just above 600 (where it currently is) if this breaks 575 should provide support.

i was looking at "construction and materials"

Oh ok - the one I posted above, and am long on is this :-

On edit - amongst other things, it covers the housebuilders.

cynic - a bit on AAPL here iii lunch time round up

thanks skinny .... will have to ponder best move and ensure that i don't just hold because i'm in love

You are not the only one in love. The love affair will improve the growth and push the share prices higher.

there's a lot of conflicting opinion so you choose as you will

Apple,

Increased competition from Google, Microsoft etc. aside, the management change appears to be positive.

Cheers,
KidA

like i said, lots of conflicting views :-)

cynic,

What is your opinion about oil price? How much room to fall?

i'm afraid i haven't been following it of late, but i see US Light is just under $87.00 ..... i think that's the benchmark that the saudis use too, and they won't care for crude to be below $85.00 for long as that is the historic level at which they set their budget

meanwhile, saudi well development is rocking the moment, though Aramco, who control these things, are notoriously fickle and unpredictable, so it could just as easily be stopped in its tracks

Hurricane Sandy
i have just been talking to a friend of mine in CT who is now on his way home - he was evacuated yesterday ..... the wind and water damage is almost beyond belief, and though the financial markets may be open tomorrow, there will still be a huge number of businesses that are unable to operate, either because they have no power and/or flooding and/or other damage and/or a combination of all of those

i therefore remain amazed that cash dow is currently so strong

I've had a small short @13,120 - so time will tell.

hot pants perhaps :-)