Sometimes it is a lot more fun to step back and watch the FTSE for awhile. You know, just enjoy the view. Forget the stress and pressures of life and just enjoy the spectacle of it all.

After all the excitement of the record-breaking day on Friday, 20 March, I pondered writing an article on the weekend. I didn’t do it for two reasons.

1. I wanted, as I always do, to report with more accuracy than speculation.
2. Sunday was my birthday, so it doesn’t matter what Reason #1 was anyway.

The first question on my mind this morning when I sat down in front of my computer was, “Should I write for ADVFN now or should I wait until later in the day?” I decided to wait so that I could observe how the day went, wherever it went. I must admit that waiting until 8:30 pm GMT was well worth it.

When Is the News Not News?

Apparently, it depends on what time of day you the news. Do you remember the old days when you read either the morning paper or the evening paper? Perhaps you read both. Modern technology not only brings us news faster and on-demand, it also has created the unintended consequence of writers jumping on stories that are inaccurate before the day is over – or even before they finish writing their story. I had checked in on the markets several times during the day, so I was surprised when I Googled “FTSE” this afternoon and found these headlines from major online sources.

• FTSE pulls back from record high
• FTSE 100 pulls back from record high
• FTSE inches lower after setting new record high
• FTSE retreats slightly from record high
• FTSE dips after record breaking run

The amusing thing was that none of these were really worthy of reporting, because the FTSE ended the day at 7,037.67, up 15.16 points from Friday’s close. It seems that the rush to get the big story, that was once the aim of every reporter and commentator, has become a trap for those who cannot wait for the story to unfold completely.

The FTSE is Different Today

I personally think that the big news of the day is that the FTSE 100 (and the 250) was reconfigured today and it still continued to set new record highs. (Even though some aforementioned impatient and hasty reports indicated that the sky was falling).

Although I might even debate the point with myself, I often think that the quarterly adjustment days have the potential to be the most volatile four days of the year. On the other hand, the reshuffling does eliminate some dead weight, as it is intended to do.

So, let’s get one thing straight: The FTSE set a new record high today, despite early headlines.

Okay, let’s get another thing straight. You can depend on ADVFN for reliable reporting and investing insights. Don’t get stressed out by the Chicken Littles in the media. Take a step back. Enjoy following the FTSE. Have some fun.

 

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