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

No such luck Cynic, family and friends time I'm afraid. As my wife has entertained our son all week no doubt the rest of the week will fall on me... Maybe I'll get to do some kitesurfing if I'm lucky...

My short was filled last night and is currently in profit.

Closed +27.2

I'm short FTSE 6687.5 two positions from this morning.

I'm short from 6,701.50 from yesterday, but also from 6,603.50 from last Thursday!!!

Just the two Skinny? Are they equal weight average 6650ish?

My average is 6687.5 both bets same amount..

The position from last Thursday is half the size - purely as I wanted to be short over the long weekend as it looked more likely that Ukraine may kick off as opposed to Putin capitulating.

So your averaging 6675+ plus then and are about break even.

Check your maths :-)

OK, should be exactly 6668.83 then, as you made me work it out... ;-)

LOL.

6671.8 closed my lower position +13

I'm sure you've all seen this piece, being splashed across lots of the newspapers:

Retired teacher made 1 million in secret on the stock market

Except she didn't - it was her stockbroker uncle who made the money for her.

Does he want to adopt me? :-)

Hmm, I think he might be well advised to take lessons from you :-)

6690.3 closed @ 6673.5 + 16.8

6690.3 closed @ 6673.5 + 16.8

SC - but in what? :-)

Well done Shortie.

Ukraine's leaders say have U.S. backing to take on 'aggressors'

Lessons in charting Skinny!! I think I'll sign up for your course on avoiding conflicts on BB's...