Book Description
Originally published almost a decade ago, LeRoy Gross's authoritative, yet highly accessible book has been the only resource available for conservative investors looking to further their investment goals with options. Now, with a new Introduction by the bestselling author Larry McMillan, The Conservative Investor's Guide to Trading Options has been updated to help market practitioners of the present garner the same rewards reaped by investors of the past.
Using the clear, balanced approach he used with his clients during a long career in the securities industry, Gross explores the various options strategies most frequently employed with individual stocks, examines the risk factors associated with each, and offers a unique perspective on how to use options as a hedging tool. From buy stock/write call to sell stock/buy call, the strategies covered are designed to help investors be better able to increase stock income, reduce stock risk, and seek stock profits. In addition to recommended systems, Gross also points out those that conservative investors should avoid, including naked cal writing, calendar spread, and call option butterfly spread.
With clear, easy-to-understand explanations, here's where you'll find complete details on:
* Reading and understanding option tables.
* Entering option orders.
* Negotiating commission discounts.
* Understanding the language of options trading with a complete glossary.
Filled with practical examples and no-nonsense information, this is essential reading for all those who want to expand their portfolios using conservative option strategies.
Customer Reviews:
Good Book That Covers Things Other Text Don't Mention.......2005-09-23
This is one of the better texts on conservative options strategies. It's the only book I've read that discusses the time and record keeping requirements needed to implement options strategies. This is particularly relevent to those interested in covered call writing.
Some specific recommendations in the text have been made obsolete since the emergence of online ($8 commission) trading. This has greatly increased the profit potential of shorter term positions in covered call writing. In past times, longer holding periods, and rolling of options was needed to overcome the effects of high commission prices. Now, shorter holding periods, even on in the money positions, usually yields higher profitability; contrary to the advice in the book.
This is still a very good text, and well worth reading.
Practical and Conservative Option Trading.......2005-08-05
This book does a good job of identifying the less risky types of option trades an individual investor would want to do. It goes through the various strategies with mathematical examples in a common sense approach. It does not, however, go into the theory of options which I think is necessary to use them effectively and to assure their pricing is reasonable. Larry McMillan on Options is an excellent in-depth book on option theory.
Well-Written, Crisply Edited.......2002-02-13
Before reading this, or any, options book, one should go to [website] and study the subject thoroughly. Once you know the basics, this book can be appreciated. Note: unless one has at least about $5000, someone should quite probably stick to buying calls or puts (which the author, the late Mr. Gross rightfully labels as an 'aggressive' strategy), depending on the market's and a stock's overall outlook.
This book is at its best when used by someone with more than $5000 (and preferably more like $10,000) who can use the time-tested hedging strategies effectively detailed here. Investors on a tighter budget would likely do better with Charles Caes'"Tools of the Bull" or "Tools of the Bear" (the "Bear" book can be easily adapted to using in a bull market also). Options investors should also know some technical analysis, John Murphy's "Charting Made Easy" is a good, cost-effective source.
The layout of this book is clean and makes it easy to read. Gross was a good writer, relaying his ideas clearly to the reader. Any options book will confuse a beginner, learn them first at [website].
This is a great one.......2000-09-07
Most trading books give you well chosen examples of how great their methods work. Rarely the risk and downside. This one shows you the strategies, and the risks if it all goes wrong, as well as the potential profits. It walks you through clear examples and describes over a dozen strategies in a simple manner. Some I surprisingly wasn't familiar with. For example, this is one of the few option texts that mentions and walks though calendar spreads.
If you can't understand this book, you shouldn't be trading options. It is one of only 4 option texts I have kept in my library. The only criticism I have is that this book was written before discount brokers, the commissions weren't updated in the examples. You should not be without this one. Larry McMillan wouldn't be involved if it wasn't first class.
Another good one is Trester's "The Complete Option Player".
Difficult to read........1999-10-02
The idea for this book is a good one, but the execution is not. It is hard to read and follow. Options are confusing enough anyway without confusing writing about them.
Customer Reviews:
Buy This Book First.......2006-11-14
After spending quite a bit of money on books trying to educate myself about the "dark arts" of options I was fortunate enough to get my hands on what I can only describe as the definitive work for this esoteric financial vehicle. Unlike many financial author "gurus", Bill Johnson is someone who is a real trader first, and author second. . If you ever get a chance to see him do a live seminar, they are a must see. My understanding is that he originally trained the Schwab people about options.
Simply put, this is the ONLY BOOK you may ever need regarding this subject so purchase it first. It is very clearly written and easy to understand (which would put it head and shoulders above the others on that reason alone) You WILL come away with a clear understanding of the subject and will know much more than your broker does about this subject by the time you finish.
Great Options book for beginners or experienced traders.......2005-04-08
This book is the bible of Options trading. It goes over everything from the greeks to advance options strategies and even market maker rules that you can take advantage of. One of the best books you could ever invest in.
The workbook is really helpful because you need to be actively participating while learning such things.
I use to be lost when I saw a options table but now it's just second nature.
It teaches you how to make money in bear bull and choppy markets. And it clearly defines the risk of each trade and other synthetics.
Did you know that a covered call is the same as a short put. That alone made me rethink, the strategies my broker tried to sucker me into. He tried to dupe me into thinking it's safer when it isn't, might as well just do the short put to save on commissions.
Once again this book is the Bible of options trading.
Book Description
This guide covers everything from calls and puts to collars and rolling up, over, or out. It takes the mystery out of options contracts, explains the language of options trading, and lays out some popular options strategies that may suit various portfolios and market forecasts. If you're curious about options, this guide provides the answers to your questions.
Customer Reviews:
A great guide!.......2007-07-02
I've just finished ready this book, An Investor's Guide to Trading Options. Here are a few thoughts for anyone interested in purchasing this book. The book is very educational and seems to be geared toward most knowledge levels. The writing style was fairly easy to follow and I could comprehend most of the book. I've just started dabbling in options so this provided a nice "manual" to help me with getting my trading strategies down. Another nice thing about the book is that it does not come across as favoring one strategy or another - in other words, it's giving you the entire perspective of BOTH benefits and risks to trading options. I highly recommend purchasing this book if you are interested into looking at what trading options is all about and how to get started.
Anonymous.......2007-07-02
This book is one of the best books I've read as manual for anyone interested in trading options. The book provides insight by using straightforward language combined with creative illustrations. I found this guide to be an inviting, yet comprehensive look into the world of options. Also, it explains what options are and how they work, provides real-world investing scenarios and describes strategies for various market conditions.
light on details.......2005-09-19
If you are looking for a "Cliff's guide" for options, this is the perfect book. Unfortunately, the book offers absolutely no additional information (infact less information) than that is available for free on websites such as msn moneycentral, yahoo finance, etc. If you are an absolute beginner as far as trading options are concerned and need a book, this one certainly is not the option you should consider! Too pricey for information that is available free on most reputable websites. On the plus side, the graphics in this book is stunning and has creatively used almost all colors invented by humanity....
Product Description
Publisher: 21st Century InvestorEdition: second
Book Description
Everything you need to know about Single Stock Futures
"Single stock futures are an incredibly important new financial instrument for managing risk. Kennedy Mitchell provides an outstanding and easy-to-read explanation of these new products for either an expert futures user or for someone learning about futures markets for the first time."
-Peter Borish, Senior Managing Director, OneChicago
Although single stock futures may be a relatively new phenomenon in the United States, this instrument has been successfully traded for years in various overseas markets-leaving you, the individual and professional investor, to play catch-up.
Exactly what are single stock futures? They are futures contracts, within the futures universe, that have shares of listed public companies as their underlying asset.
In Single Stock Futures: An Investor's Guide, author Kennedy Mitchell introduces you to single stock futures, explains how they function, and demonstrates the various ways they can be traded. This comprehensive guide clearly illustrates how investors-both individual and professional-can utilize single stock futures independently or as an application to add new dimensions to an investment portfolio.
Single stock futures have the potential to improve the performance of professionals, novices, investors, and traders. Take this opportunity to find out how with Single Stock Futures: An Investor's Guide.
Customer Reviews:
Nice strategies.......2003-06-29
I liked the strategy section of this book talking about how to use the futures in practice not just about what they are. I have used the buy-write strategy that the author talks about and have done very well so far. I just wish these contracts were more popular so the liquidity would be better.
WAY 2 SIMPLE.......2003-02-04
I agreed with the guy who gave this book a star. When I saw the book, it looks good. But when I started to read it, I realized more than 50% of the book are definitions. It is way too simple.
Honestly, there aren't any good books on SSF.
good info.......2003-01-26
This book covers more advanced strategies that were interesting like pairs and buy-writes. Also good for learning about hedging large equity holdings in a single stock. I have read all the books available right now on the topic and this one had the most substance and information.
Basic. Rudimentary........2003-01-21
First of all, let me address the fact that every review prior to this one is a shill for either the author or the publisher.
Next, the book was far too simplistic and read more like a glossary of securities. Not too much valuable information here - better to just stick to something by John Murphy, as futures trading translates very well into SSF trading, aside from the tax handling.
If you're looking for a basic glossary, this may be for you, but it's advertised as a book with substance. It fails horribly, which is why I give it only one star.
nice guide.......2002-12-20
this guide was great in helping me understand single futures. I liked how they are explained in a manner of applying them to portfolios and not just technical details of the product.
Book Description
This book presents a simplified, step-by-step explanation of those stock option strategies that are appropriate for use by an investor primarily interested in the protection of assets, and in increased income. The strategies are explained both by words and with graphs and visual aids. There are also general discussions of market strategies, advice for stockbrokers, lawyers, and general investors interested in stock options.
Customer Reviews:
John's Review.......2007-04-11
Another Gem! Do NOT speculate in options witout reading this first! Buy calls and puts with the LOWEST possible 6 month implied volatility, sell calls and puts with the HIGHEST 6 month implied volatility! Also, pick high volume, therefore highly liguid options with the LOWEST bid/ask spreads tro maximize returns! These are some of the most important things I learned.
Go with a pro.......2006-08-13
Once again Mervyn Hecht makes understanding stock options easy to understand - and easy to use as a tool for making money. Having known Mervyn Hecht professionally for many years, it was no surprise that his third edition was once again a winner - a book one would want to own if you were interested in making money through stock options. Mervyn writes very clearly and to the point. His credentials and experience are outstanding. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in stock options.
It's not speculating.......2006-04-14
I thought Merv Hecht's book How to Make Money with Stock Options was an extremely thoughtful, useful, well written book for the conservative investor who wants to make more money from his or her stock portfolio. Hecht makes clear that options are not just for speculators, that an intelligent conservative strategy can be developed which adds considerably to income. He explains, provides the tools, and the Third Addition includes very useful software to track trades and prepare for tax time.
Traders' Delight.......2006-03-08
The third edition is a traders' delight. As an educator I look for books that can be useful for investors at all levels. The author gives invaluble tips for beginners and loads of advice for seasoned traders.
A new addition this time is tracking software that quite handy
A valuable and easy-to-understand primer.......2001-03-21
Especially in these volatile times in the stock market, Hecht's book is extremely valuable reading for investors. Using plain language, Hecht explains how investors can hedge and pursue less risky strategies with stock options. Those who have some familiarity to investing in the stock market will have no trouble understanding Hecht's presentation of what is often difficult material. His book makes it easy for conservative investors, and those who want to pursue less risky approaches, to make stock options a part of their investment strategy. Thanks to Hecht's book, stock options are now an integral part of my approach to the market, and I'm benefitting handsomely.
Average customer rating:
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Futures and Options: A Guide for Traders and Investors
Donald Spence
Manufacturer: American Management Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Popular Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Public Finance
| Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Business & Investing
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Futures
| Investing
| Business & Investing
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General
| Investing
| Business & Investing
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Options
| Investing
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
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ASIN: 081440507X |
Book Description
· Complete overview of this area
· Profiles all exchanges
It is virtually impossible to be a successful trader or investor without using all the important derivative instruments--futures and options. So important are these instruments to the financial structure of worldwide markets that activity on futures and options exchanges far exceeds trades on stock exchanges.
Futures and Options is a solid, no-nonsense overview of the current state of the futures and options markets.
Average customer rating:
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Institutional Investor's Guide to Managed Futures Programs
Stephen M. Douglass
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Companies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Economic History
| Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
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Public Finance
| Economics
| Business & Investing
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General
| Popular Economics
| Business & Investing
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General
| Business & Investing
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Futures
| Investing
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
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Options
| Investing
| Business & Investing
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ASIN: 0070219117 |
Average customer rating:
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Managed Futures: An Investor's Guide (Wiley Finance)
Beverly Chandler
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Popular Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
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Public Finance
| Economics
| Business & Investing
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General
| Business & Investing
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Futures
| Investing
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
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Options
| Investing
| Business & Investing
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ASIN: 0471944025 |
Average customer rating:
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America 2003 Predictions: Timing the Sectors of the Economy.
P. Fortuna
Manufacturer: Fortuna Productions Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Investing
| Business & Investing
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Introduction
| Investing
| Business & Investing
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General
| Personal Finance
| Business & Investing
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ASIN: 0972735909 |
Book Description
Who would benefit from this book?
It is especially beneficial for those who are looking for an alternative to traditional analyses conducted by Wall Street analysts and technicians. This book can be used concurrently with the works of analysts as a confirmation tool. The reader will see why it is a good confirmation tool when the events are revealed ahead of time acknowledging their ideas and hunches about the future direction. The book is for professional and novice traders, financial experts, and business leaders who are looking for a different kind of market timer. It is indeed an unusual book on stock and futures market prediciton. The writings are unique in a sense that unlike other market predictions, events and sectors are described as if someone is actually looking into a crystal ball and seeing the future.
The back cover features excerpts from the book. The innuendos point to or confirm various events that could influence the behavior of the company stocks in the marketplace. The succinctly packed information will challenge YOUR mind or even confirm ideas and anticipated events in the economy and the markets.
On March 11, 2003 The Dallas Morning News, Business Tuesday, Page 3D, an article by Eric Torbenson reports
"Union leader says bankruptcy at American may come soon." In America 2003 Predictions: Timing the Sectors of the Economy, May 2003 predictions state "The airlines will somehow find a solution to their problems. Many of the transportation companies may have found a way out of the union issues to bring cost down."
EXCERPT FROM MARCH PREDICTION: "In the tech arena, computers, network equipment products, and telecoms may experience a downturn also. The tech sectors are undergoing major fundamental shifts in manufacturing. RESULT: On March 12, due to Black Box Company warning, Cisco, Juniper, and the network sector came down.
ANOTHER EXCERPT FROM MARCH: "The following sectors may very well lead the market up after the mid-month: ......education, clothing retailer, sporting goods........
RESULT ON March 10-12. Sylvan Learning Center and Nike UP on good REPORT.
This book will benefit YOU if you need to know "WHEN". Visit the website PredictionCalendar.com to read more about the book. If you are concerned about your employment, 401k, or pension plan, you will benefit from owning this book. Traders, investors, and other finacial experts can benefit from this foreknowledge.
The book also contains a section called "2003 in a Nutshell" which summarizes the entire years market and economic conditions. It highlights the salient sectors and "headline makers" of 2003.
Books:
- The Federal Communications Commission: Front Line in the Culture and Regulation Wars (Understanding Our Government)
- The Handbook of Blended Learning: Global Perspectives, Local Designs
- The Handbook of Fixed Income Securities
- The Lobster Coast: Rebels, Rusticators, and the Struggle for a Forgotten Frontier
- The Master Swing Trader: Tools and Techniques to Profit from Outstanding Short-Term Trading Opportunities
- The Metaphor of God Incarnate: Christology in a Pluralistic Age
- The Second Creation: Dolly and the Age of Biological Control
- The Triple Bottom Line: How Today's Best-Run Companies Are Achieving Economic, Social and Environmental Success -- and How You Can Too
- The World Bank and Non-Governmental Organizations: The Limits of Apolitical Development
- The World's Banker: A Story of Failed States, Financial Crises, and the Wealth and Poverty of Nations (Council on Foreign Relations Books (Penguin Press))
Books Index
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Options Trading for the Conservative Investor: Increasing Profits Without Increasing Your Risk (Financial Times Prentice Hall Books)
New Insights on Covered Call Writing: The Powerful Technique That Enhances Return and Lowers Risk in Stock Investing
McMillan on Options, Second Edition (Wiley Trading)
The Short Book on Options: A Conservative Strategy for the Buy and Hold Investor
The Options Workbook: Fundamental Spread Concepts and Strategies for Investors and Traders
