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

Yes - that would be more appropriate I reckon Skinny :)

One IF for today though: I reckon we could see a positive movement if the US Non-Farm Payroll figures are in line with yesterday's ADP figures - and they probably will be

Must remember to sit by my computer at 12:30!

i would be surprised if the payroll numbers were not good
heaven forbid they should have been at all influenced by the imminent elections!

There have been various 'noises' circulating this morning saying as much!

Now now Cynic, mustn't be so cynical ;)

i only look at you through rose-tinted specs - and then i realise the view is reality (oh yuk!)

Should have gone to SpecSavers my Dear!

not unless you are taking on GR's role!

Other Opticians are also available.

Cynic, not opened a short yet as may test higher first, will wait for a short signal before opening a position.

In case you missed it:-

GBP Construction PMI 50.9 consensus 49.1 previous 49.5

Thanks Skinny - just seen your lovely cartoon lol :)

Should have put the short on the DOW rather than waiting... Goes to show though consideing the jobs numbers that the sp is based more on optimism than any real sustainable recovery.

I suppose with all the uncertainty about the Election next week, the DOW could travel back to rest around 13030 again, Shortie.

Wouldn't surprise me Toya, might give the indicies a miss next week and just play stocks and currencies. The Yen looks set to test 129.5 so maybe a longer term position will emerge.

hmmmmm :-)))
05:41 02/11/2012
EU short-selling rules create confusion, experts say
Traders, brokers and other market participants are criticizing regulatory guidance on pan-EU rules governing short selling, saying it has left the market confused and unprepared. "There isn't total clarity on how that market-making exemption will work," said Richard Metcalfe of ISDA. "There is still debate about what actually constitutes market making and whether that has to be a frequent activity. That shouldn't be the case." Meanwhile, exchange-traded government-bond futures not covered by new rules are opening a way for traders to effectively short government debt, essentially sidestepping the rule.
indeed!!

.

EUR Sentix Investor Confidence -18.8 consensus -20.7 previous -22.2

GBP Services PMI 50.6 consensus 22.0 previous 52.2

Shortie - 30 Oct 2012 09:44 - 9290 of 9392
There should be some support for Apple just above 600 (where it currently is) if this breaks 575 should provide support.

Looks like it'll test 575 support today..... If it breaks then worth a short on the next leg down.

not looking very chirpy is it