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

new year i would guess ..... unions will have much to say, though they appear to be fairly conciliatory and constructive at the mo ..... will also give the CEOs time to sell their jets and prove as much!

They're discussing it as I write.

The way things are going, next year will be too late I'd thought!

I thought they were supposed to be OK up until March, but then would start to be in trouble?

Strawbs.

The auto industry was crushed in England many years ago because it did not move with the times,why should Detroit be bailed out these automakers are dinosaurs and like all dinosaurs will die out in the long run.

Not sure strawbs

I imagine there'll be a lot of tough talking and then the car makers will get their money.
2517

I suspect that may well be the case no matter what the rights or wrongs of it.

the car makers will get the dosh because failing to do so will cause unbelievable further unemployment ...... Ford say they will be profitable again in 2011 ..... believe that and you'll believe shadow!

I don't think the bailout's a given. They may just gamble that chapter 11 would give the companies more flexibility in the long run to reorganise on their terms, rather than the unions/dealers. I guess leaving it for the new president might also be an option, given they only have to wait until the end of January.

In my opinion.

Strawbs.

Apparently, possible bankruptcy for 2/3 of them (not Ford) would either be before the year out or early next year.

Probably means 2 of them at least need a bailout decision soon then. I don't see how any expect to sell cars until the economy turns though. Just seems to get grimer by the day!

Strawbs.

Honda pulling the plug on F1 speaks volumes.

Strawbs, apparently Obama is a 'union man' so the bailout should go ahead anyway.
2517

engine won't start without those!

DOW
8200 now looks to be broken and at the mo at least, having no joy at all when trying to break back up through it ..... i suppose 8000 could be the next support, though if we see that tonight, then bring the blood transfusion kit on monday

cynic oil down to $41 what do you think next stop $35?

cynic Brent now under $40.

Brent is always cheaper ..... the price always quoted is US light crude (aka Nymex) which is currently $42.70 spot = -$0.97 since last night

cynic are you still bullish of oil? Or do you concede the price is likely to fall another $10 and the world economy will be saved?

President Bush, addressing economic crisis, urges Congress to act next week on auto aid and protect taxpayers ..... hence the modest rally off the floor by Dow, but every signal coming from everywhere is total panic ..... imo, the bailout was a racing certainty, so for Bush to start chivying Congress to get it sorted pronto, merely fans the flames