Should have mentioned that today is the last index/equity...

Should have mentioned that today is the last index/equity options expiry day of the year, which explains the massive buy/sell orders currently visible among the more heavily traded stocks.

These are big traders closing out positions by buying/selling shares/indexes over which they hold options.

There will be wide fluctuations in prices right up to the opening bell but ultimately most shares will open near last night's closing prices, so it's nothing to get excited about.

That said, the process occasionally throws up bargains and it's worth watching closely for anything that seems under-priced at the open.