Futures market - any indicators for FTSE or DOW?

[johnfm]

Noel W has mention looking at various futures prices to see what 'the market' is pricing in for housing etc.

I assume there is a futures market for the FTSE 100, DOW or other such indices?

I ask, as I figure it may be a good time to start getting into equity.

Not really got time to pore over company data - anyone recommend a good IFA?

Or should I stick it all on Red at the local casino?

[johnfm]

I guess this is the level of response we can expect now with 786 different fora in the Pie and Empty?



I'll turn off the lights on the way out.

[johnfm]

Thanks for the responses guys. I have a lump sum of circa £50k coming my way in June. I don't want to gamble it nor just stick it in the bank.

I think it would be too risky to just put it in a small basket of blue chips (not sure if even big, established names like Coke, BP, AMEX are safe) but as tempting as banks stock prices may be, their price probably reflects their risk - not sure any of them are out of the woods yet, especially for the small stock holder.

Might split it into a couple of smaller baskets - it is a 2 year maturity investment anyway. All pointers gratefully accepted.