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

USD CB Consumer Confidence 73.7 consensus 73.1 previous 72.2

Only 25% Skinny because I transferred cash out last week.

Ah right - bad luck anyway - hands up who hasn't been there!

I am still hanging on to my FTSE long @5790 - and hoping for steady and slow increase over next few months.

If you are looking for an opportunity, AMER has taken a bit of a bashing over last couple of days with news expected imminently (all indications would suggest good news - but who knows in this game). Amer currently @ 44p with general consensus that this will break 50p by Xmas and 80p+ by mid 2013. As always please DYOR - having realised some cash last week - I have bought back in today. Best

I've had my eye on AMER for a while - may get in to that now; thanks for reminding me bhunt

Shortie: bad luck indeed - I know the feeling well (unfortunately).

hi luscious ..... is it still raining in uk?

5792.8 all FTSE shorts now closed out in profit...

AMER have made a nice profit in previous months, have a single future remaining in this stock. I think Paragon PAG is worth a go at the moment, also Thomas Cook report tomorrow I think so one to watch.

Long @12,920, I've also had a dabble with Thomas Cook.

Closed +10.

Cynic: still raining up here, yes. I gather we're in for an icy blast later this week - best stay where you are, or travel further south!

I saw this posted elsewhere.

I've a small Future in Thomas Cook also. Interesting to see your playing off Dow support, charts suggest the other way currently..

What a pretty map Skinny - it looks promisingly spring-like with those colours! And that pic of the daffodils!

hoping that our cellar is not going to get flooded (sraised water table, rather than horizontal) for the first time in about 25 years ..... reports are that the river is getting dangerously high

I've been worrying about those delicious wines of yours!

Arm off and running, after hitting a multi year high earlier.

Need any help putting your thermals on Toya..... ;)

Hi BB - I'm much too hot for thermals: just back from an aerobics class! But thanks for the offer :)

12930 support taken out yesterday and closed below, next support 12765, looking to short Wall St again today. Can't imagine the beige book on new-home sales will provide much of a distraction.