First let me make you aware there will be an update on Friday, I just don't know when, could be earlier or later than normal - I won't bore you with why (I've been roped into helping with a kids party and not sure how much time or not my role might take).
So it'll either be a bit earlier than usual or later, possibly even early evening. So basically, whenever I get a window of opportunity...
Phew! After a lot of stress my five-year-old Christopher's glue ear operation all went fine.
All those days of extreme worry. Neither of us could sleep the night before.
The worst time for us was when he was in the operating theatre and we had to wait outside, about 30 minutes in the end.
Those 30 minutes went by extremely slowly. What a relief when the doors opened and we heard him crying.
We were very lucky, we went in early, were seen very quickly and unbelievably we were home by lunchtime.
He didn't need much recovery time - we hadn't expected to get him home till the evening. And we expected a much longer wait before he was seen.
But he shook off the drugs very well indeed. The operation was also a success and he can hear properly now.
Straight after the operation he was a bit upset and disorientated.
But he was in fine voice and indeed as he was being wheeled down the hospital corridor he shouted "I hate doctors!" Whooops.
We though were grinning ear to ear, stress gone, knowing he was safe. Brilliant.
The operation certainly worked - he now startles at a slamming door, can watch TV without having to stand close. The only drawback is he can't go swimming for a couple of weeks. And that's his favourite sport.
He tried football instead and is joining in.He even told us he saw on the TV that Fulham had scored 25 goals beating a big team, he thought, Chelsea. Well, I guess a bit of an exaggeration! (Congrats to next-door team Fulham for getting into the Europa final, amazing more a bit further down)
Many thanks to those of you whose kids had similar operations for your words of comfort and advice before we went in.
I was especially amazed by those of you who read this site who aren't even interested at all in shares or the markets but like reading about what's happening with my family. Makes me feel it's worth the effort to carry on for now.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital is just outstanding. They saved his life a while back and we've only ever experienced superb treatment and a pleasant environment. Dedicated nurses who are keen on their work and interested and incisive explanations of what is about to happen. And very clean.
Though I'm sad to say this wasn't the case at a different hospital where both my father and mother were treated extremely badly before they died. I'm pretty certain this hospital accelerated their deaths. I feel sorry for any elderly patient unable to speak up for themselves who ends up there.
Nurses who didn't care, shoddy treatment and a no can do attitude at that hospital which was also filthy dirty. I nearly went in with a mop and bucket myself. They needed an old-fashioned matron really badly there. It just shows how different two hospitals even quite close together can be.
Well, by the time I update next we'll know how the election panned out. Who's in or who's out?
Well, I'm backing the Tories and shall be voting for them tomorrow. We need a proper change of Government and they deserve a go at it - they may wish they don't get it because one suspects there is a bigger mess out there than Labour might have been letting on...
Not sure how long I'll stay up for .. depends on how exciting it is - as a journalist I used to cover elections all night and they were quite fun.
If it's a Gordon Brown - Nick Clegg partnership anyone in business not sure whether to keep bothering with it may as well pack up.
My hope is Cameron gets a majority and can form a new Government.
While it has to be said that he's probably more of a PR guy promoted beyond his true abilities I do like a number of the policies especially that of getting rid of as many nonsense laws as possible.
I approve of getting rid of red tape, overregulation, ID cards, state nannying, ott health and safety, get the lazy and feckless into some kind of work, get the debt down and stop spending on the unnecessary.
All I can see with Labour is a continuation of the nanny state, over suveillance, red tape, reckless spending in the wrong areas and an economy that will get so bad what happened to the Greeks may not be so far off happening here. You can't keep spending money you ain't got for ever.
As for the Lib Dems, their policies I think would crucify business and stop any recovery dead. They don't realise if you don't incentivise the job creators, the jobs won't be there.
I think the Tories recognise the dangers of the deficit. Anyway we'll have some idea come Friday..

If you missed the last seminar the next date is next week, May 14th at Heathrow. It is very close to sell out now so don't leave it till next week or it looks like all the seats will be gone.
If you're interested in coming then email me at robbiethetrader@aol.com with "May seminar interested" in the subject line.

I'll then send you details and a full agenda of what is covered. Also more details below somewhere.

Because some of you couldn't make May, I've also opened booking for the seminar after this one which will be on Friday June 25th at Heathrow. If you're interested in details on that one, mail me with "June seminar interested" in the subject line.

My seminars are designed for beginners, dabblers and improvers and deals with everything from how to look for winners, how to research, spreadbetting, level 2 use how to time trades and short, how to use advfn properly and run your portfolio without having to spend money on systems and tipsters.. and tons more.
A lot of the day comes directly from the live markets and I show you many of the tricks I use to get good prices live. And there might even be the odd live trade or 2! E-mail me for details.
The number of emails to me is nearly reaching saturation point and I'm struggling! I'm getting 100s which is lovely in a way but killing me in another.
The main problem is the length of some of them, indeed some run to the length of novels, so, please, help save my eyes and please keep mails to under 150 words.. you can do it! It's close to the stage where I am going to have to say I will answer all mails but those over 200 words will get deleted. Keep them short and sweet, please!!
Also, it's possible the answer you seek from me is already in FAQ's. And do remember I can't discuss individual shares with you as it would be classified as investment advice which I'm not authorised to give.
Spreadbetting firm Tradefair Spreads has upped its offer exclusively to Naked Trader readers to a £100 credit. This offer is exclusive to me and not available anywhere else...
I've been using them for a few weeks to check that I'm happy with the service. As you know I don't take ads or allow referrals on the site unless it's a company I've used and I feel confident about.
What I like about it is it's easy to use, spreads are surprisingly tight on the smaller companies and interestingly an automated stop loss is applied to each trade - so beginners know what their max loss is from the outset.
Anyway they now offer a £100 credit as long as you deposit £100. You get the credit after you placed 5 trades (Terms and conditions apply)
If you'd like to apply for an account with Tradefair Spreads and get the freebie click this link:
http://www.tradefair.com/promo/spreads/nakedtrader100/
Many of you enjoy the cheap advfn toplists bronze deal through me as do many of you with the cheap level 2. However many of you say you want a half-way house to include real-time share prices always on.
So I'm pleased to announce I've managed to seal a new deal with Advfn for its "Silver" service - that's always on real-time share prices for a good saving (Bronze toplists etc are included in this).
The deal is via me you can save £30 for your first year by paying just £138.06 inc vat via me instead of £167.47.
Just mail me for full details if you'd like it with "silver" in the subject line.

Those of you looking for some extra income could be interested here:

http://www.ei42.com/Nakedtrader/ then click "earn money" on the rhs.

So for free you can sign up and get this shopping site for yourself. What's brilliant is any product you want type it into the search and it will come up with it, which store it is at and where it is cheapest, then buy it and earn commission on your spend!
Everytime you buy anything yourself on your site you get commission.. So if you normally shop online anyway it's a no brainer: just use your own site instead of going direct and get some commission every time you shop.
Then you just get some friends to sign up and get their own site too - when they do online shopping using their mall, you get commission too. Simple as that.

They've just re-published "The Zulu Principle" by Jim Slater who's written a 2008 update at the beginning.
This is a brilliant classic book. Reading this is a real pleasure and it was a great idea to republish.
Jim believes like I do the best gains can come from smaller stocks and in an easy to read style takes you through how to evaluate smaller companies that are about to become bigger ones - he uses some excellent examples.
Really this is a must read for all more longer-term investors or anyone looking to grow their money... a number of you have also written to me about this book and praising it.
Here is the link to buy it:
http://books.global-investor.com/books/167207.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
Here's a very topical one: The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets by Peter Schiff.
The book is all about how to keep portfolios up in a down market. He focusses a lot on how to play commodities and win with some sensible advice especially on natural resources and precious metals. He is very much a realist and there is no rubbish here: some straight talking and some interesting strategies.
Everyone who invests should think seriously about keeping portfolios up in bad times so this book should be read.
Well worth picking up at this link:
http://books.global-investor.com/books/271958.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
To order my new book Naked Trader 2 for next day delivery click this link... or the cover of the book top right!
http://books.global-investor.com/books/27120.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
I've had heaps and heaps of praise from many of you regarding The Financial Spreadbetting book.
The book really seems to have helped a lot of you understand spreadbetting a lot more than you did. You say it's really helped you with ideas too. The writer deserves commendation. With the ability to go short so important in these volatile markets, it's a must read. To order click this link... http://books.global-investor.com/books/23307.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
Several people have asked me for a recommendation on a book which shows how to study accounts in a reasonably easy way. The one I like the most is http://books.global-investor.com/books/15717.htm?ginPtrCode=10453 by Robert Leach. Ten crunch questions to ask before buying any company.
It' s a decent easy-to-read book with several key chapters and it's highly recommended. It's one I keep and dip into from time to time. To order, click this link... http://books.global-investor.com/books/15717.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
The best book on charting and easiest read on the subject is http://books.global-investor.com/books/15618.htm?ginPtrCode=10453 by Alistair Blair. Click here -> http://books.global-investor.com/books/15618.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
Another good one is the second edition of http://books.global-investor.com/books/23792.htm?ginPtrCode=10453 by Peter Temple. Included in this one is how to use spreadbetting, CFD's warrants and trackers to reduce risk. And there are some decent trading strategies too.
This is an excellent book for new investors and also experienced ones. It explains all the things you may not be sure about in the markets and will explain the tools that are there. To order The Investors Toolbox by Peter Temple (new edition) click the following link for delivery in 24 hours... http://books.global-investor.com/books/23792.htm?ginPtrCode=10453

(March seminar is sold out)
Fancy spending a day with me, learning all the ways I have learned over the years to find good shares and play the markets? Well, you can at one of my seminars!
Booking is now open for the next Naked Trader seminar on Friday May 14th
Price is £495 plus vat. However there is an early booking discount now available.
That includes three course lunch, coffees, snacks etc. And most importantly it covers choc bars and fruit gums too.
The seminar is mainly aimed at beginners and dabblers though improvers are welcome too.
Topics covered using live market feeds all day include: Market psychology, level 2 - a simple guide to how to use it for better timing; how to value companies; finding companies that are about to rise. I will also cover techniques for handling events such as the recent meltdown and volatility.
Spreadbetting: How to use it to gain an edge and go short. Market makers - how they work and how to beat them; how to stop losing money and make it instead and plenty more.
How to plan trade entries and exits - how to research companies and understand reports, plus all those niggly questions you always wanted to ask. How to set stop losses and targets. Charts and how to use them.
Also covered: Market maker tricks: How to spot tree shakes and use them in your favour, How to tell when NOT to buy a share. I use live ADVFN all day with lots of level 2 and looks at all kind of live market data.
The idea behind the seminar is SIMPLICITY. I don't use jargon or fancy words - everything is in PLAIN ENGLISH! No question is too stupid and the event is held in a friendly relaxed and supportive environment.
The idea is you will come away from the event I hope a wise and better investor with lots of new ideas. I try and translate complex topics into easy bite size pieces. I also aim for it to be entertaining as well as instructive.
If you are interested please e-mail me at robbiethetrader@aol.com with "May seminar interested" in the subject line and I will send you full details of the event including comments from those who have come to previous seminars and you can then decide whether you would like to come. See you there!
One seminar attendee Clare wanted to write a testimonial about her experiences at the seminar which follows now!
"I've just come back buzzing from one of Robbie's seminars. What a day! He's just brilliant, and manages to pack an awful lot into one day, and with his enthusiastic and humorous delivery the day just flies by. There are no gimmicks, no sell, no "˜get-rich-quick' promises, just his own solid, sound approach which he has learnt over the years and which works.
He shows you how to minimise the risks and maximise the profits and points out the banana skins on the way. Where the seminar really comes into its own is when he teaches using live level 2. Hearing him talk through his thought processes and reasoning is invaluable, and really brings home everything from the book. He has endless patience answering peoples' questions, and really seems to care that everybody understands.
On top of that, you meet some really nice like minded people and swap e mail addresses, you're plied with
chocolates and coffee all day, have a great lunch and spend the evening getting tiddled with Robbie in the
bar afterwards! You might even get to see the amazing crocodile boots . . . .
Don't worry about the cost, it's easily worth it, and you'll soon make it back with your new-found investment skills, and in what you're no longer losing. If you're thinking of going along to his next seminar, whether you're a novice or an experienced trader, don't hesitate ""just go!
Thanks Clare, did you want the tenner in cash, or will a cheque do?

Exclusive One Point Spread, £250 Cashback Offer

Still a massive response coming in for the sensational 1 point indices spread offer plus £250 cash back on losses - my mail box continues to be full of enquires - don't miss out!
I have arranged a deal with a spreadbet company that gives you just ONE POINT spreads on all the major indices and very tight spreads on everything else. A one point spread is just amazing and you can use it on the FTSE, DOW, Nikkei etc...
Not only that, I can offer those of you interested a fantastic £250 cash back on any realised spreadbet losses made within your first 8 weeks. That means you get back any losses up to £250 which could come in extremely handy.
If you'd like the details of this offer just mail me at robbiethetrader@aol.com with "£250 cashback offer" in the subject line. This really is a great offer which will have a limited lifespan so if you want it, get cracking!

http://www.sportingindex.com/?tpid=6755
Do remember if you do bet you ought to treat sports spreadbetting as entertainment - and expect to lose! Also with spreadbetting work out what your max loss could be and make sure you can afford it! In other words if you say backed the favourite at 15 for a fiver and they come nowhere your max loss is £75.

Exactly Ian! But can you get fitter than a wii fi fitter?
Dean writes:
Hi Robbie, I noticed that you keep getting emails about pills to make your "˜manhood' bigger.Well recently I have startdeaned to get phone calls saying that I can wipe out all my debts within 2 years and wondered if we should tell Gordon Brown to give them a call.

Yes, Dean I think the UK should start borrowing on credit cards, transferring balances from one card to another at 0% and collecting various points along the way...

Andy writes:
I am reading your book. I am sending you this email not in direct reference to anything financial but musical. I am many things including a DJ.
No man of your standing should be subject to commercial tripe when it comes to dance music.
There is no reason why one should dis-like "Put your hands up for Detroit" , but if my surmise is correct, if you like the commercial stuff, you would probably be left speechless by the good stuff. Here i can help -I think. Both my wife and I agree, that of all the music I have, the Global Underground series is excellent. Nick warren, Sasha Darren Emerson and almost all of the 38 albums so far in the main series are great. "Communicate" by Sasha and John Digweed is also an album i hold dear and one i am quite sure you would love. Sometimes it takes a couple of listens to really get it but they are a world away from the "commercial"
Hi Andy!
Thanks for that. What you may not have taken on board is how crap my music taste is - I just like stuff that gets me up on my feet with a happy tune and a good beat! But I'll order one of those and give it a try - thanks for trying to broaden my horizon!
Lalani writes:
I attended your seminar 18 months ago after reading your book and wanted to say thank you for:-
1. Talking in plain simple English. I actually work for an investment bank (not a trader I hasten to add) - and there is a lot of complex trading strategies, instruments, tools, terminology etc etc Your seminar and book actually helped me to understand the basics and I'm sure even helped me pass the IMC - a financial exam.
2. Making the seminar interesting and humourous - time flew by and it helped me solidify the principles in your book and gave me the confidence to actually have a go myself at investing in something other than index trackers. I'm particularly glad you value the importance of providing a plentiful supply of sweets, chocolate, coffee and a fab lunch too. Top marks in that area - and such variety too!
3. Putting a sparkle back into my marriage - yes - honestly. I recommended your book to my husband and he surprised me by actually reading it and finishing it (mostly on the toilet). He loved your book too and now we often have a good banter about the shares we like and whose portfolio is doing better! I am actually considering booking him on your seminars as a present.
4. Your website. It always makes me smile, and you write in an engaging and humourous manner and it's one of the websites I reguarly visit.
Thanks Lalani, well I never thought I'd be responsible for helping put a sparkle into a marriage... but if your hubby enjoys reading my book on the loo, that's great.

For me it's usually The Sun! Anyway thanks for the fan mail.

Sheila writes:
Hope Christopher's op goes OK and he is not to unwell afterwards. I enjoy reading about him, it is lovely that you share some of your family life with your readers. My three girls are now grown up, oldest married, she's a bloodstock underwriter, middle girl is getting married in September and is a doctor and just passed her exams to train as a GP and youngest at Vet. School, 3rd year and working very hard. Why I mention this is it only seems like yesterday that they were wee things, I don't know how the time went so quickly, maybe before too long there will be grandchildren!!
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