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

http://rt16.it-finance.com/FinSpreadsFlash/showimage.phtml?id=90a701f90a59f85830250134a9d60c5c1b1d5e03981d140336451611e8a390b8&type=png

Heres the technicals if anyone can turn into a picture.... Not convinced yet to short today, anyway the above shows the next 12540 support line if your interested. Note the green diagonal line (upwards trend) plotted off end of June/July lows, causing me some concern. I'm waiting for a break below to confirm a short trade.

appl appear good buy

Noting the short trade on Wall St not confirmed. Shame no Skinny today to make a chart out of the above/below links. Below two hour chart (link below) shows the bounce off the other trend line I was concerned about.

http://rt8.it-finance.com/FinSpreadsFlash/showimage.phtml?id=36e87ab6e2fb1ed387edfaf3a872ffd03164b3472f388cc4e87c82fec03f5e40&type=png

Thanks Skinny, I don't know why I can't do that, every time I try I get an embossed box with a red cross in it. Not a techy person with these things, at least though others on this thread will now be able to see what I'm rambelling on about.

I'm looking for long play indicators, can't seam to find any confirmed direction today though.

Thanks for the charts chaps.

My shorts worked wonders earlier today, but I've since reversed:

Obama is making a Speech tonight (18:05 our time I think) - and knowing the effect politicians can have on the markets, I'm sure he will say something positive to reassure that he will work with the Republicans to tackle the Fiscal Cliff. What else could he say?? So I expect the market to recoup some of its losses today... (of course, I could be proved quite wrong)

Where do you find all these cartoons Skinny! Lol :)))

Toya - we skate on the surface of a very deep pool of data!

I can hear a pint calling me :-)

Yeah - like skating on thin ice!

i too have switched and switched about with both dow and aapl ...... now fingers x-ed, but i would not be at all surprised to see a very strong finish tonight as short positions are closed ahead of w/e

Obama speaks shortly.

probably quite well, though it's neither here nor there ..... the big bore (sorry; test) will be when it comes to the so-called fiscal cliff, with the self-serving congressmen just trying to score vituperative political points instead of working pro publico bono

Well, whatever it was he said, he seems to have upset a few people! Good job I was sitting by my screen!

he certainly doesn't seem to have impressed the market, that's for sure ....... out of aapl with a tiny profit, but guess i'll stay long dow for now

I've went short DOW at 12845 - and have closed it now, so I can get in the kitchen...

well that was a nice little profit anyway ...... currently in h'gate visiting a+e(lol) and latest arrival, though i'm not much one for babies i must confess

I take it the speech went well (not) then!

Obama to join "fiscal cliff" battle as showdown looms

WASHINGTON | Fri Nov 9, 2012 6:28pm GMT

(Reuters) - President Barack Obama will join the battle over the U.S. "fiscal cliff" on Friday for the first time since voters gave him a second term, setting the stage for a showdown with congressional Republicans over sharp tax hikes and spending cuts slated to take effect early next year.

Obama is to make a statement from the East Room of the White House at 1:05 p.m. EST (1805 GMT). His opening move in what is expected to be a tense negotiation to avert the so-called "fiscal cliff" was telegraphed Thursday by a top adviser, David Plouffe, who claimed a mandate from Tuesday's election victory to raise taxes on the wealthy.

Had me worried there for a moment cynic - thought you were in A&E and was impressed you were still trading! Enjoy being kept awake by your grandchildren :)

not that dumb! ..... staying elsewhere