Spread betting: Go overseas in search of the land of opportunity

With a distinct lack of exciting economic and corporate announcements being released in the UK this week, it could be timely to look beyond British shores for interesting trades.

Manoj Ladwa, senior trader at ETX Capital says: "The market is going to be subject to the goings-on in the foreign markets. Traders and investors alike will be looking for some resolve to the Greek situation in order to resume buying activity."

A quiet week then, but one that could offer some shorting opportunities. "If the Greek problems are not alleviated, I fear the markets could have another negative week," says Mr Ladwa.

On the economic front, the Bank of England minutes are the main indicators of which to take note, but it means traders will be looking to the US for direction. An interest rate decision on Tuesday from the Federal Open Market Committee is not likely to push the market either way so attention will be on the initial jobless claims on Thursday for signs of weakness in the job market.

There could be an opportunity for investors to go short on Dixons on Thursday, when the electric goods retailer releases its full-year figures. "Given the weakness in the electrical goods market, the stock could see some sellers if the numbers are weaker than expectations," suggests Mr Ladwa.