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

WASHINGTON, April 24 (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased more than expected last week, but the rise probably does not suggest a shift in labor market conditions as the underlying trend continued to point to strength. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 24,000 to a seasonally adjusted 329,000 for the week ended April 19, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Claims for the week ended April 12 were revised to show 1,000 more applications received than previously reported. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast first-time applications for jobless benefits rising to 310,000. The increase probably reflects difficulties adjusting the data for seasonal fluctuations given a late Easter this year and the timing of school spring breaks. The four-week moving average for new claims, considered a better measure of underlying labor market conditions as it irons out week-to-week volatility, rose only 4,750 to 316,750. That was not too far from pre-recession levels. A Labor Department analyst said no states were estimated and there were no special factors influencing the state level data. The claims report showed the number of people still receiving benefits after an initial week of aid fell 61,000 to 2.68 million in the week ended April 12, the lowest level since December 2007. The so-called continuing claims covered the household survey week from which the unemployment rate is calculated. Continuing claims fell between the March and April survey periods, a good omen for the jobless rate. The unemployment rate was at 6.7 percent in March.

6712.8 exited @ 6710.3 for a marginal gain. Still running my other 6700.8 short.

GBP/USD 1.67664 still short and carrying a small loss.

Ukraine forces kill up to five rebels, Putin warns of consequences

Sods law, I split my risk and it tucks under 6700... Oh well..

I've just closed a short 6684.3 - not saying where from!

Still running my previous dogshort from 6,603.50.

Toying with the pivot now!!

6700.8 closed @ 6675.5 for +25.3

Well done Shortie.

Thanks Skinny, GBP/USD not looking too good though

Hilary is the one for that - not really my bag.

Here's the daily and my positions, think I'll just hold and ride it out for abit.

Zurich Classic, here's my fantasy team

After-hours buzz: Microsoft, Starbucks, Visa & More
Kate Gibson | @CNBCKateGibson
1 Hour Ago
CNBC.com






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Check out which companies are making headlines after the bell Thursday:

Amazon.com - The online retailer posted first-quarter earnings per share of 23 cents on $19.74 billion in revenue, compared to estimates calling for EPS of 23 cents on $19.43 billion. Its shares jumped in after-hours trading.

Read MoreAmazon shares climb after revenue tops expectations

Las Vegas Sands - The casino operator reported first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 97 cents on $4.01 billion in revenue, versus estimates of EPS of 94 cents on $3.91 billion in sales. Its shares climbed in after-hours trading.

Microsoft - The software company reported third-quarter earnings per share of 68 cents on $20.40 billion in revenue. Analysts expected EPS of 63 cents on $20.39 billion in sales. Its shares rose in after-hours trade.

Read MoreMicrosoft earnings dip on slight decline in revenue

Pandora Media - The online radio provider reported a first-quarter earnings per share loss of 13 cents, excluding items, on $180 million in revenue, versus expectations of a loss of 14 cents per share on $175 million in sales. Its shares declined in after-hours trade.

Starbucks - The coffee retailer reported second-quarter earnings per share of 56 cents, excluding items, on $3.87 billion in revenue, versus expectations of EPS of 56 cents on $3.95 billion in sales. Its shares edged higher in after-hours trade.

Read MoreStarbucks earnings in line, but revenue trails

Visa - The card payment processor tallied second-quarter earnings per share of $2.20, excluding items, on $3.16 billion in revenue, versus expectations of EPS of $2.18 on $3.19 billion in sales. Its shares declined in after-hours trade.

—By CNBC's Kate Gibson.

I'm still holding my FTSE short and have gone long on RBS & WMH this morning.

I've shorted GBP/USD @ 1.68167 bringing my average on the 3 positions now to 1.67904.... Can't smell any burning yet, might have a dabble on the FTSE later if it gets back to 6700.

Peter Schiff: Reckless Fed may push gold to $5,000

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Peter Schiff, chief executive officer of Euro Pacific Capital, has been known to make forecasts outside the mainstream, and his long-running belief that gold has the potential to hit $5,000 an ounce is no exception. Prices, after all, are struggling to get a grip on $1,300.

1.68167 closed for a small profit, have a good weekend guys

Well done Shortie.

U.S. readies more sanctions as Ukraine costs rise for Moscow

Thanks Skinny. Looks like golds ticking up also.