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

seems like the dollar is biting back this morning with gold and oil reversing

Well, the git is up 100 pts now since shortly before 8 'clock :(

git ?

It's a git cos I didn't trade it :(

there was I thinking Gold Index Trades, Gilt Index !! LOL.

I am still long on FTSE

I think cynic was contemplating placing a long last night - I wonder if he did ?

Just got stopped out at 5750 - whilst having breakfast !!! - but cleared a modest 150 - so thats ok

Nice one, 150 profit per day isn't actually a bad salary on an annualised basis. I haven't touched the Indicies this morning preferring to prat about with the EUR/JPY pair over on FX, but in profit as well so happy enough. Off to play golf now whilst the sunshine lasts, back later for some DOW fiddling :)

If only I could do that on a consistent basis - it would supplement the pension nicely.

I thought I was brilliant getting a 30 profit hasn't supplemented the pension as I'm still trying to claw back a 200 loss. Think Ftse may falter now after rises this am will,as usual probably deliberate for too long.

Just seen this on the CNN website; click the link below:
CNN - Stocks ready to roll

Should mean a good opportunity on the DOW today.

PTH: thanks for your message. Have replied but never know whether the system actually works!

Unfortunately I am out for lunch and no power this pm - so will have to duck this time - but it does seem a good opportunity for Dow - although index up 75 already on futures.

Toya - I hope you took advantage of the rise you predicted ?? I am too late

I have just taken a short on the FTSE at 5812 !!!

Oops - too soon me thinks

I got in at 5765 long but had to go out so set a limit !!!!!!!!!!!!!! got stopped out way too soon b****r
Think I'll take a short now.

I have gone short again at 5835 too - hoping there wont be a final flurry !!

in answer to the Q, i chickened out of a late Dow long last night but held on to a (modest)FTSE long .... rather belatedly, i have now gone modestly long Dow, but shall get out at 12625 or thereabouts if not sooner.

also bought XTSA afternoon as sp was close to 200 dma from where it has bounced twice before - and has now done so today

profit taken on FTSE at 5857.5 .... could be toppy at this level .... however, shall stay long Dow, at least for now

well done cynic - my shorts looking a bit sick