While the Footsie (news) dithers in no-mans land, this is an opportunity to talk about how rewards from share shifting is much more than a chance to make (or lose) money.
I often say that doing shares gives you more power than the vote. And by dealing in shares, I can influence the world, just a tiny bit, to go the way I think it ought to go. You have the same advantage, dear friend.

Now the differences you can make to the world are tiny indeed. But remember the theory about butterflies? A beat of a red admirals wing on one side of the world can cause a hurricane on another.

Yes, I know that theory is a bit fanciful when talking about share choices. But every bit helps. I am talking here, gang, about companies which do good in the world. And those that do the opposite, or at least dont help very much.

Personally, I dont buy shares in tobacco companies. I am not against the personal freedom of wishing to smoke, but I dont want any of my dough to go towards advertising fags and encouraging people to do it.

I wont buy shares in companies, which test on animals. I dont buy shares in gambling outfits. I would not have a punt in an arms company.

But before you think Im so much of a goodie goodie, that it hurts, I do invest in some shares that other ethically-minded people refuse to touch. I invest in nuclear power, for instance. Thats because I think its cleaner than polluting the atmosphere with oil and coal fumes. And yet some of my green friends deplore the use of nuclear fuel.

I invest in companies which sell alcohol, even though latest figures show that overdoing that indulgence causes one in twenty deaths in Scotland. I argue that I cant really be responsible for weak will power.

So what Im trying to say, pals, is that we should all choose carefully where we put our money. And if it conflicts with any of our natural disinclinations, then maybe we should find other companies to support. Rockin on.