Book Description

Trading Spreads and Seasonals is a powerful, profit enhancing trading course based on Joe Ross' years of personal trading experience and remarkable trading success.

These days, it seems most traders are focused on outright futures or options trading strategies. You hardly ever hear of anyone who trades spreads or seasonal spreads, or outright seasonal futures - especially at the same time! That's because very few futures traders truly understand seasonality. This is why far too many never earn all they can from trading. Worse than that, they end up losing money.

Fortunately, Trading Spreads and Seasonals changes all that. It stacks the odds of winning in your favor. How? By giving you a complete explanantion of how to crack the markets using a novel approach that combines explosive profit potential of futures with seasonally measured risk. Plus you learn to protect yourself from the vagaries of market price action that serve to turn winning trades into losers.

You'll find out just what to look for before you enter a trade, such as how to spot trends that will affect you positively where it counts, your trading account. You will not only learn how to hedge your risk, but how to use it to explode your profits in a steady pattern of equity growth! You'll see which markets to avoid and which trades to avoid. You'll know when to get in and, MORE IMPORTANTLY, when to get out. Trading Spreads and Seasonals does it simply, without all the technical mumo-jumbo and mathmatical formulas of other approches. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

NOTHING NEW
Unfortunately nothing new at all: Bollinger Bands, RSI and typical chart patterns. Unprofessional lay out, a lot of unused space and many peripatetic explanations. Maybe some ideas for absolute beginners. I will short this book and rather spend the money on a new Harry Potter novel.

Where's the Meat?
I think Joe did an excellent job of describing what seasonal/seasonal spreads are, but gave me little in the way of new ideas for trading them, or new research into spreads that really work. Most traders would be much better off with a subscription to Moore Research if they already know they would like to trade futures in this manner.

I am a believer...again!
I have traded futures for almost 11 years, for my own account and as a broker. I have also written three books regarding futures investing. That being said I really do know how to separate the wheat from the chafe.

This book is all wheat. Ross, once again, breaks the silence on spreads and seasonal trading. Farmer, Hedgers, and life long futures traders, happily use spreads instead of options to limit their risk, market exposure, and margin requirements.

On the otherhand I have been looking at seasonal trades for years and their is only one realistic approach to them, don't believe they will work and plan accordingly. That means strong money management skills on your part. Great book. It made me believe in the seasonals once again and combined with my own money management strategies I am ready to give Ross the benefit of the doubt.

Closely Guarded Secret
"Secrets!"
If you have gotten this far by choice or accident, you have stumbled onto the most profitable way to make a living with the least amount of margin in the field of speculation.

Ross' refers to seasonal spreads as a "closely guarded secret." Many books about trading assume that you are starting out with many thousands of dollars earned somewhere else.

This little known facet of the commodities market is ideal for people who have a steady income and want to earn a second income trading a small amount of capital.

The key here is supplemental income. You have to find a way to keep your day-to-day needs for income separate from your program of wealth building. You have to find a way to keep your spending from increasing just because you are making a bundle trading. Seasonal Spreads are how many new traders build up a large trading account in a short time, starting with a hardly any capital in the commodities market.

In high school you should have become familiar with the "Ten Multiples." Let me refresh your memory. Mony grows geometrically. How much do you have when you double one thousand dollars ten times?

1. 2,000.00
2. 4,000.00
3. 8,000.00 etc.

If you can save $20.00 a week and you will have that first thousand dollars in less than a year.

Now the thing is this. People often talk about a Million dollars as being a lot of Mony. But really, do the math. Let's see what the flow-of-sums returns.

How much income per week will you have if you had one million dollars invested (not in spreads)?

You will find that you can easily exceed a Millionaire's income with a small amount of trading capital, perpetually in seasonal spreads.

Ok what is the minimum trail to your first successful trade. At a minimum

1. "Reminiscences of a stock Operator," "Reminiscences," gets into the details of Speculation and details you must thoroughly understand if you are considering making a living Speculating in securities.

2. "Ross's Spreads and Seasonals," for in-depth technical analysis and trading tactics.

With these tools, You should soon be able to enter and exit your first seasonal spread at a profit.

Best book for trading Seasonal Spreads.
Joe introduces filters and how to use technical indicators. You should update to Lane's %D Stochastics. This is a trading manual not a book about trading. ... Read more

Book Description

The Sniper Trading Workbook is the perfect complement to Sniper Trading: Essential Short-Term Money-Making Secrets for Trading Stocks, Options, and Futures. This workbook provides an invaluable opportunity to explore your understanding of the formulas and strategies covered in the main text–before you put them to use in real market environments.

Each chapter of the workbook is designed to stand on its own, so you can tackle one strategy before moving on to another.A brief description of the topic at hand is followed by a series of questions on that topic and their solutions.Test your knowledge on the concepts, techniques, and systems discussed in Sniper Trading, with realistic examples that are likely to occur during the normal course of short-term trading, including:

• The Two Major Daily Trends
• The 3-Day Difference: How to Measure Market Momentum
• Chart Patterns: Finding Symmetry in the Market
• Confirming Indicators
• Strategies for Getting Out of Trouble
• Seasonal Trends

With over thirty chapters dedicated to short-term trading, the Sniper Trading Workbook provides an honest answer to the question: Am I truly prepared to trade? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

sniper trading
Being a colllege professor for more than 3 decades, I have read too many books on money, market, investing , and trading. I found
George Angell's book one of the best. It tells as it is and reveals not only the in-and-out, the up-and-down of trading the market but also the philosophy of life, the psychology of trading, and the attitude of winning the games. I recommend this book to anyone who has interest in shot-term trading.
The Professor ... Read more

Book Description

Praise for Real Options Analysis

"This book is a must-have and must-read . . . Mun’s new book is a refreshing, cutting-edge look at a powerful new decision-making process . . . it isn’t often you can truthfully say a book breaks new ground, but [this book] has certainly done that."
–Glenn G. Kautt
President, Monitor Group, Inc. (USA)

"Many books on real options can be intimidating. Mun offers a pragmatic, reliable, and entertaining guide. Complex concepts and formulas are brilliantly interspersed with well-chosen examples and step-by-step walk-throughs from a variety of industries."
–Shota Hattori
President and CEO, Kozo Keikaku Engineering, Inc. (Japan)

"The clarity and comprehensive coverage makes it one of the best guides for all practitioners . . . coupled with state-of-the-art financial tools on CD-ROM."
–Michael Sim
Partner, Moores Rowland International (Hong Kong)

"Mun certainly has earned the reputation of being an expert on the subject . . . consultants, analysts, decision-makers and engineers will be all over this book and its software."
–Phyllis Koessler
Managing Director, Koessler and Associates (Switzerland)

"Finally, a real options analysis book that is technically sophisticated enough to be useful, and practically written so that it can actually be used. It is destined to become the handbook of real options."
–A. Tracy Gomes
President, Intellectual Property Economics, LLC (USA) ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Real Options Analysis Review
"Dr. Mun has converted his tacit financial knowledge into a digestible user-friendly book. He effectively leads the reader on a solid path starting from Discounted Cash Flow, progressing through Monte Carlo analysis and evolving to Real Options to get even closer to the target of achieving confident corporate decisions. His ability to clearly explain the relationships of popular competing analysis methods will make this a must have reference book for today's decision makers."

Kenneth English

Director of Research and Development Emerging Technology.

Real Options in Action
This is an excellent text on Real Options Analysis. There is a definitive very well maintained balance between theory and practice. Dr. Mun will take you through a random walk, which is so natural and so powerfully pragmatic you will appreciate by the time you'll reach the final pages of the book. The powerful intuition Dr. Mun develops behind stochastic calculus and Ito's lemma makes it accessible and useful to the businessman who has to learn how to mitigate downside risks while optimizing growth opportunities in an uncertain economy. The book in itself is a real option - The mathematics is nicely explained only when needed for clarity of the subject. The abundant amount of reference is there for you to find out if interested. It is up to you to decide when you wish to exercise your options. If you can identify your real options, Dr. Mun will show you how to value those complex opportunities.

An excellent book for intermediate reader
Mun's book is an excellent guide for those who have basic knowledge about asset valuation and want to study real options.

decent read on real options
decent read... did a good job on explaining practical uses of real options. would have been better if not so much written promoting the use of crystal ball. overall, happy to see that minimizes coverage on replicating portfolios and focuses on risk neutral prob. i recommend this book, especially if mba student and brief coverage in intro class of real options leaves you interested / unfulfilled.

This book is made to trick you to buy the software
Mun's book is excellent, but you should not buy it unless you are willing to buy the...software used extensively in the book.

The CD-ROM enclosed with "Real Option Analysis" includes

- the Real Option Analysis Toolkit (demo), which expires one week after installation.

- the Crystal Ball Software, which expires one mounth after installation.

This means that you have to buy the expensive software one week after installing the demo to have any benefit from the book...The book is a trick to get your to buy the...software -and it is a shame that you get no information of this before you find out that the demo has expired! ... Read more

Book Description

The must-have book for all futures traders

In Fundamental Analysis, the legendary Jack D. Schwager has produced the most comprehensive, in-depth book ever written on the use of fundamental analysis for futures trading. In what is destined to become the bible of the futures industry, Schwager has poured out insights gathered during his long career as a trader, researcher, bestselling writer, and highly regarded authority in the field.

This book is packed with invaluable information you'll use every trading day. "Futures guru Jack Schwager has created the definitive source on using fundamental analysis for price forecasting that no trader can afford to be without." —Tom Baldwin Chairman, Baldwin Group

"This book won't make you a great commodities trader instantly, but it will teach you what you must know to start." —Jim Rogers Author, Investment Biker

"Jack Schwager always provides clear and compelling material on the often opaque subject of futures trading." —Richard Dennis President, Dennis Trading Group

"Jack Schwager's deep knowledge of the markets and his extensive network of personal contacts throughout the industry have set him apart as the definitive market chronicler of our age." —Ed Seykota

Fundamental Analysis is the first book in the Schwager on Futures series—the definitive source on the futures market for the next century that no trader will want to be without.

Jack Schwager is one of the most important and visible figures in the futures industry today. His Market Wizards and New Market Wizards are two of the bestselling finance titles of all time. Now Schwager has created the most comprehensive guide ever for using fundamental analysis for futures trading. The much-awaited Schwager on Futures series greatly expands and updates material first contained in his A Complete Guide to the Futures Markets, which has been the bible of the industry for the past decade.

In this first volume of the series, Fundamental Analysis, Schwager shows traders how to apply analytical techniques to actual price forecasting and trading in virtually all futures contracts currently traded. In chapter after chapter, Schwager draws on what he has learned during his legendary career as a successful trader, researcher, and bestselling investment author to dispense priceless insights.

Explains how to apply the techniques of technical analysis to fundamental data—information not found elsewhere

• Shows how regression analysis works and tells how to use it as a tool for price forecasting
• Includes step-by-step instruction on how to build a forecast model
• Contains a 13-chapter section illustrating the applications of fundamental techniques to individual markets and market groups
• Outlines how to analyze seasonal fluctuations, including seasonal price charts of 27 active markets

Numerous charts, tables, and examples illustrate all key concepts, and the text itself is written in the clear, nontechnical style that has helped make Jack Schwager one of today's most widely read and highly regarded investment writers. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Schwager is very indepth...sometimes too indepth.
This is the most comprehensive books on Fundamental Analysis that I have ever seen. This book along with Schwager's Technical Analysis book are required reading for new futures brokers that I hire to my firm.

Mr.Schwager and Mr.Turner have put a very strong mathematical spin on how fundamental analysis can be accomplished. They dissect government trade reports and analyst reports and put an empirical face on the nebulus act of fundamental analysis.

In the preface of the book Mr.Schwager admits that fundamental analysis is not quite accurate. Which begs the question, "why write such a complex book?"

This book is not for the faint of heart, nor is it light reading. It is quite indepth and for the most part above the heads of many beginning futures investors. In order to understand any of the examples you have to have solid trading reference points in your personal trading life.

I recommended it for intermediate traders primarily.

After being involved with futures for 11 years and authoring three books on the subject, I am always impressed at Mr.Schwager thoroughness in researching.

caveat emptor
There is no question that when it comes to informational books on trading, Schwager is the best around. This book meets his high caliber of quality and informativeness. I can recommend this book to anyone looking to broaden their knowledge of fundamental analysis and the guts of what affects supply and demand. But I can't recommend the book wholeheartedly because basing trading decisions on fundamental analysis in itself is such a flawed approach in my opinion.

I used to pay a lot of attention to fundamentals. I would spend hours each day looking at news and research to get a feel for the reasoning behind the movement. After doing this for a while, I realized the inherent futility in the approach- if a trade sets up technically I will take it, unless there is some compelling reason not to, and if there is no technical confirmation, I won't take it, period- and so fundamental analysis just doesn't play much of a role in either case. Nowadays, I still keep tabs on fundamentals somewhat, but mainly only to avoid getting hit by a train- not taking action in front of a significant report or going short coffee in the freeze season, stuff like that. Below are a few reasons why my trading has become solidly technical:

1) Most daily news is worthless, and here is why: at any given time, there are half a dozen arguments for being bearish on a market, and half a dozen reasons to be bullish. When a market has a big move up and the reason isn't clear, the news services pick a couple of the bullish reasons and talk about those. If the market has a move down, they highlight some of the bearish reasons. It's total retrofitting, and thus usally a waste of time to read because there's usually not really a way to turn that knowledge into profit. The "traders" that the newsies interview are often just run of the mill clerks or brokers who don't really know anything special- or if they do, they don't tell. The classic filler explanations on the aftermarket newswires are "profit taking," "fund buying" and "fund selling." When you read about one of those three, the general translation is that the reporter dragged out one of the old standards because "who the heck knows" just doesn't make good copy.

2) Many of the best trades are the ones where the move starts before anyone knows why. Bruce Kovner talked about this concept in the first Market Wizards. (Incidentally, Kovner was making 300 million a year in profits at one point, so he might be worth listening to). If a breakout occurs when everyone is expecting it, then everyone is in already, and the odds are not as good because a lot of the buying (or selling) is already done. But if a breakout occurs and no one knows why, then there are (1) potentially powerful hidden reasons for the move, and (2) a whole group of traders who are not in the market yet and may want or need to get in (or out if the move is against them) once the reason comes to light. So, by deduction, if some of the best trades are the ones where the fundamentals reasons are not yet clear, then by paying attention to fundamentals too much, you run the risk of keeping yourself out of the best trades. You have to be willing to say, "I don't know why this setup is occurring, but the technicals are tellling me something that the news might confirm later." Because the news often comes after the window of opportunity has already closed, you often have to be willing to act before the fundamental reasons are clear.

3) Analysts are often biased and have a hesitancy to change views. When an analyst writes down his opinion on a piece of paper and then sends it out for everyone to see, part of his pride and reputation is staked on that opinion. It is a psychological fact that writing something down, and confirming something to other people, makes a person more committed to that belief because humans have a very strong desire to be consistent. That makes him very hesitant to change his mind, even when the facts change. If an analyst is bullish one week and then the facts turn bearish the next week, the analyst should change his mind- but the odds are that he will not, because he will be thinking "well, if i was bullish last week and do a 180 to bearish this week, then I will look stupid." But often that is the right thing to do! Especially for fundamental analysis, being flexible is very important. But most analysts are too worried about their reputations to have that flexibility. This is one reason trends occur, because the masses are hesitant to change their minds even when it is rapidly becoming clear that they should.

4) Much of fundamental analysis is either incomplete or just plain wrong. Even if you have 90% of the puzzle pieces, the 10% that you are missing could be important enough to turn the whole picture upside down. Or if you somehow miraculously have all the pieces, you still have to figure out how to weight them properly and determine what the market is going to pay the most attention to. It is almost impossible to get all the facts correctly uncovered and assembled without overlooking anything. And then there is always the possibility that something could come up by surprise that you were not prepared for. Different analysts with access to the same information will often have directly contradicting opinions on a market. What does that tell you? Generally the only time that the analysts are all on the same page is when the writing on the wall is obvious- and by that time, the move is usually almost done if not over. There is simply no free lunch.

5) Price- the ultimate value judgment of all underlying fundamentals- reveals itself in the technicals. The technicals don't lie and the technicals don't have an emotional bias. They represent the opinions of the entire market, with a heavier weighting towards the bigger and smarter players, and are thus more reliable than individual opinions subject to bias and error. For a fast mover such as myself, this is what needs to be known. I'm interested in the next three days, not the next three months or years.

For the above reasons, fundamental traders caveat emptor.

A MUST FOR WHOEVER WANTS TO START IN FUTURES TRADING
This Series "Schwager on Futures" is the biggest work has ever been written on futures trading. As a Futures Trader I advise everybody to read these books before to starts any real trading in Futures, that if not taken in the proper way can be very painfull. As a Member of IFTA(International federation Of Tecnical Analisys)I suggest you to read it joint with John Murphy's "Technical Analisys f Futures Markets" and "Intermarket Technical Analisys" this will give you a integral knowledge of Futures Environment that is what you need on your Trading philosophy. I always let these books on my desk because I need them so many times during my trading day. THEY ARE A REAL REFERENCE. The good thing of this series is that you can test your comprension by the various study guides. Reading the book about "Managed Trading" You can even get able to judge the returns of the various CTA and decide when it is better to invest in them and to whom give your money.Probably you are not be interested in the Fundamental analisys book but remember, especially in the commodities markets, EVEN IF YOU ARE GOING TO TRADE TECHNICALLY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND FUNDAMENTAL ANALISYS!!! Thank you very much to have spent all this time for read me.

A must read!!
Jack Schwager is an excellent author and researcher. His Wizard Trading Fund is certainly not one of the best around, but the man's ideas must be respected. There is a lot of usefull information in this book even if you are a purely technical trader. Most but not all markets are treated in this fine volume. ... Read more

Book Description

Reflecting today’s market realities and the new innovative options products available, this fourth edition features an in-depth analysis of volatility and volatility trading; updated information on all stock option strategies, reflecting recent market conditions; buy and sell strategies for Long Term Equity Anticipation Securities (LEAPs); detailed guidance for investing in the growing field of structured products; the latest developments in futures and futures options; and the market impact of the most recent changes in the margin rules.

Packed with graphs and charts to clarify profit and loss potential, margin requirements, and criteria for selection of a position, this classic remains an indispensable resource for investors determined to master the world of options--and profit. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Is this the options 'bible'?........
Other books may--but probably don't--deal with specific topics relating to options trading better but this is by far the best all rounder. I've read it cover to cover in this edition (4th) and also the 3rd yet I still, even as a fulltime options trader, refer back to it. The insight, experience and answer is always there.

I recommend it to strategists who attend my seminars and I recommend it now.

Required reading for the option trader
Options as a Strategic Investment is the best book I've read on option trading.It is not a "get rich quick" book by any means, it is a nuts and bolts tutorial on the pure mechanics of option positions and strategies.It is easy to read, and each concept builds seamlessly on top of the last.It's a great read from cover to cover, but also a great reference guide for the quick review of a forgotten concept.

Best options book for intermediate level - very practical
I've browsed/read a number of equity options related books and this is the best one I've come across for someone that is kind of at the intermediate level.It's very much a "how to" book that goes really in-depth on strategy.Almost as if the author were reading your mind, he addresses what the options trader/speculator is thinking and breaks everything down in a nice, simple manner.For instance, he has sections on what the alternatives and their pros and cons are if you have an option that has moved in-the-money and what things you need to consider.This book focuses on strategy, application, and practice...not much, if at all, on theory (Black Scholes, etc.) and that's what I like so much about this book.

The Best Reference Book on Options
I won't say I've read every book on Options out there, but I've looked at a range, from the very complex, full of calculus equations and whatnot, to the very simple, and to my mind, this is the best out there.First of all, it is very thorough and well organized.It goes step by step through virtually every option strategy, analyzing the various payoffs, follow-up actions if the market goes against you, etc.It is written clearly and concisely, with lots of examples.One reviewer says it's too complicated.If you think this book is too complicated, then you simply should not be trading options.Period.Another critic says there are too many examples.Yes, there are a lot of examples, and if you find you understand the concepts the author describes just fine without the example, then you'll probably just skip them.However, if there is something you don't quite get, the examples are a real help.I think some reviewers were hoping for a book that would tell them how to get rich in a few months trading options.Well, good luck, and let me know when you find it.But for a terrific reference that every serious amateur will go back to time and again, then this book should be the first on your Options bookshelf.

Paperback mistake?
In the description of the book, I think an error was placed saying " (Paperback - January 23, 2003) ". Check all the books by Mcmillan, and you'll see two version of Option as Strategic Investment, one is the 'book', the other, cheaper, is the workbook.
The 'book' is about 2" thick, quite heavy on the arms!The contents are precise. For each strategies, e.g. long/short call/put, spreads, ect..., Mcmillan explains their definitions, their reasons, their advantages, their pitfalls.This is purely a 'theory book'.If you have an opinion on the market (bullish/bearish/neutral), and want to see different spread strategies possible that could apply to your trading, this is a great book to read. If you want to find out what the floor traders do with your order, are they fair, or try to skim off your order, or try to manipulate the price..., you will not find it here.
p.s.: (I gave 4 stars because one should never give 5:p) ... Read more

Book Description

This revised edition of the highly successful book, Real Options, offers corporate decision-makers the ability to assess the profitability of their ventures and decide which avenue of expansion or investment to go down and, crucially, when to take that leap. The reader goes on a journey through real options, from the basics to more advanced topics such as options and game theory. It provides expert guidance on how to implement the theory to maximize investment opportunities by utilizing uncertainty as an asset and reducing downside risk. ... Read more

Book Description

"Put Option Writing Demystified" is the only book devoted exclusively to the subject of generating double-digit income returns from a little-known, often misunderstood and conservative investment opportunity known as "put option writing." In fact, it can be more conservative than simply owning stocks alone. And the good news is that this strategy works best during slow growth, flat or even slightly declining markets.

This book fully stands on its own merits, but it can also be viewed as a companion text to "Covered Call Writing Demystified" (see the book description on Amazon.com for more information). Hence the similarity in name.These are the reasons:

* Put option writing and covered call writing have essentially the same reward and risk characteristics…When used as outlined in the book, they are very conservative (unlike other uses of options)

* Investors using covered call writing will find opportunities to use put option writing to achieve similar double-digit investment results, but also to have the opportunity to purchase stocks or Exchange Traded Funds at a discount from their present value.

* The put option writing and covered call writing strategies can both be used within the same portfolio to achieve similar results by differing means, depending on the investor’s objectives regarding the individual stock or ETF in question.

What is put option writing?

Have you been tempted at times to buy a particular stock, but decided not to take the plunge because you thought it might be overpriced…or, just on a hunch, you thought you might be able to pick up the shares at a lower price? Not only might it be possible for you to buy that stock for less, but what if someone were willing to pay you cash today at a double-digit return rate and also give you the opportunity to buy it at a lower price later? Does that sound too good to be true? It’s not. It’s called "put option writing," and it’s available to you on literally thousands of stocks and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Put option writing can be compared with placing a limit order to buy the stock or ETF of your choice at a lower price that you set…and then being paid for it. And, you get paid whether the stock falls to your price or not!

"Put Option Writing Demystified" is totally focused on providing (1) the education you need to fully understand the concepts behind put option writing and (2) a unique easy-to-follow program so that you can implement the strategy yourself without the help of a full-service broker or investment manager.

The book delves deeply into the subject of how to obtain double-digit returns from both out-of-the-money puts and in-the-money puts, with out-of-the money puts being the principal recommended strategy both for realizing the opportunity to achieve consistent double-digit investment returns while you wait to acquire stocks or ETFs of your choice at a discount to their present market value. It also provides short-term technical analysis tools to assist in guiding market forecasts and making even more profitable put writing decisions.

On May 3, 2003 after the annual meeting of his company, Warren Buffett (Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway) said to Maria Bartiromo of CNBC: "If you own equities, over the next twenty or thirty years you’ll get a reasonable return…maybe its 6%, maybe its 7%. People who expect 15% a year are doomed to disappointment."

If you believe that "The Oracle of Omaha" is right about a slow-growth market for decades to come, then everything that you need as an investor is here for you in this book to develop and implement a put option writing program that will help you achieve double-digit returns.

In addition to presenting everything you need to know about put option writing and how to implement your own personal put writing program the book provides:

* Use of a uniquely designed Microsoft® Excel spreadsheet for put writing to assist in reviewing writing selection alternatives so that the best decisions for you are reached to achieve your investment return goal.

* Details about brokerage accounts, with special emphasis on the use of online discount brokerages for quick, very low cost execution of trades. Web sites for brokerages, charting sources and other technical information are provided.

* Tax information you need for understanding and administering the income tax aspects of put option writing. This includes the opportunity for deferring taxation of income until a later tax year while enjoying the use of the income now.

How will the baby boomers be able to generate sufficient income on their investments to enjoy a secure retirement? And how will they and others younger than them be able to create a sufficient asset base to provide for their financial security with the dire predictions for the long-term future that we cannot expect markets to perform anywhere near as well as they have in the past?

With interest rates so low and a scarcity of acceptable investment alternatives available to investors, put option writing, as well as covered call writing, may offer two of the best possible opportunities to achieve consistent double-digit investment returns in the slow-growth market we seem sure to encounter ahead. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Book
Dear Author!

Just bought two books from Amazon, Put option writing and covered call writing. Thanks, your books are very useful, I will recommend to some of my friends about these wonderful books

Thanks again,

Readers
Kenny

A TRULY AMAZING INVESTMENT IDEA!
I would highly recommend this book to any stock investor who is looking for some new ideas to earn back the money they've lost in the bear market. Who ever heard of being paid immediate cash to wait to buy stocks at a lower price? That's what this book taught me to how to do. It sounds too good to be true, but I know it works because I've done it after reading the book. I wanted to buy the Nasdaq 100 Trust (QQQ) at a lower price. Instead of just waiting to see if it went lower, I wrote put contracts on the QQQ at my buy price using what I learned in the book. I collected $485 in cash in my brokerage account the next day. The stock didn't hit my price, so I didn't buy it the first month, but I got to keep the $485, which was a 24% return on an annual basis. The next month I did the same thing (collected $625 this time). My price was hit and I bought the QQQ shares for 15% less than the price when I started this. In the meantime I collected $1,110 while I waited to buy my shares for 15% less. This is explained so well that anyone can do it. Nobody I know seems to know about this. It's all in this book. ... Read more

Book Description

FREE! The word and concept have been the advertising foundation for billion dollar corporations, the heartbeat of huge marketing campaigns, and the nexus between companies and customers for eons. Now, New York Times best-selling author Wade Cook introduces the LOCC(tm) (Large Option Covered Calls) system -- a system that can generate 80% to 100% returns for traders who master it.

"...you read the title to this book: Free Stocks: How To Get The Market To Pay For Your Stocks--FREE!, and what do you think? Is there a catch? I'll be right up front and say there is, but it's not what you think. ... There is a way to get FREE STOCKS, which if you get to the bottom line meaning of FREE, is simply that you do not pay for your stocks yourself. I'm talking about quality stocks...you get to choose! You can be as diversified as you want. ... you can pretty much start with any amount of money....

"...this is not a get-rich quick-plan. This is also not some ambiguous, nebulous method that only a few people can master and use. It is also not a theory. It is an in-the-trenches, workable, cash flow stock market money machine. This plan takes a simple yet overlooked aspect of the stocks and options markets and puts it to full use. The results are dynamic and far-reaching." (Excerpt from the book.)

If you like the buy-and-hold strategy of investing, how do you get the money to pay for your stock? Wade Cook demonstrates how to get the market to pay for your stock with five to seven months using his NEW LOCC(tm) system.

In Free Stocks, you will find out about:
* Option Cycles And Market Makers
* How Implied Volatility Affects Option Pricing
* Buybacks And Rollouts
* Stock Repair Kit
* How To Put Volatility On Your Side -- Be A Seller, Not A Buyer
* When You Get Your Money
* Exploration Of Ways To Increase Gains And Reduce Taxes
* What To Do If The Stock Dips -- Make More Money!

And you simply must see Chapter 2 where the Stock Market Institute of Learning, Inc.(tm) will award $10,000 to the charity of your choice if you find one person who has attended our Wall Street Workshop(tm), used our strategies exactly as they are taught, and then lost money.

Purchase Wall Street Money Machine, Volume 5: Free Stocks: How to Get the Market to Pay for Your Stocks--FREE today! Learn how to start building the portfolio of your dreams -- for FREE! Each book includes the Audio CD 'Completely Retire in 10 to 12 Months' and two complimentary tickets to a three-hour Financial Clinic. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Get your stocks for FREE?
In Wall Street Money Machine Vol 5-Free Stocks: How to get the market to pay for your stocks-FREE Wade Cook introduces the LOCC (Large Option Covered Call) system. This system is a machine-a machine for generating consistent cash flow in sufficient quantities to better any lifestyle. A system that literally lets you get your stocks for FREE!

There is a saying that when something sounds too good to be true it usually is right? What's the catch you may be asking yourself. Is there a catch? To be brutually honest, yes there is, but it's not what you may think it is.

There is a way to get your stocks for free, which, if you get to the bottom-line root meaning of FREE, is simply that you do not pay for your stocks yourself. We're talking about quality stocks that you get to choose! You can be as diversifiedas you want. And get this-you can pretty much start with any amount of money you have.

This is not a get rich quick plan. Nor is this some ambiguous, nebulous method that only a few people can master and use. It is also not a theory, but an in-the-trenches, workable, cash flow stock market machine. This plan takes a simple yet overlooked aspect of the stock and options markets and puts it to full use. The results are dynamic and far-reaching.

LOCC has a beginning, middle and an end. It puts the emphasis where it should be; on generating income so you can retire. Yes, huge assets are nice, but let's go for simple ways to build steady monthly income so we can do more of the simple yet wonderful things that life has to offer.

If you like the buy and hold strategy of investing, in FREE STOCKS, you will learn how to get the market to pay for your stocks in 5 to 7 months with the LOCC system.

In FREE STOCKS, you will learn:

- Option cycles and market makers
- How implied volatility affects option pricing
- Buybacks and Rolloouts
- Stock Repair Kit
- How to put volatility on your side
- Be a seller, not a buyer
- When to get your money
- Exploration of ways to increase gains and reduce taxes
- What to do if the stock dips-Make more money!

Finally, if you followed more traditional forms of investing and lost a ton of money in the stock market over the last three years, FREE STOCKS may be just what the doctor ordered to get back on track and make that money back.

During the Bear Market of the last three years, I and others used the strategies in FREE STOCKS to recover losses on deep dips. Question: How much money did you lose by not knowing these strategies? And how much money will you lose by not applying these strategies going forward?

Get the book. It's a must read!

Options? Terrific! Wade Cook? Fantastic!
I completely disgree with the reader from Austin regarding his comments on Wade Cook and his latest book: FREE STOCKS.The examples Wade uses in his book are dated back to 2000. Stocks have dropped and option prices have changed. Margin is not a bad word---it's a form of leverage that creates wealth. Since the reader is familiar with Robert G. Allen, he should be aware that Mr. Allen also recommends leverage. So does Donald Trump. So do all successful investors.Returns are not unrealistic. This reader from Austin needs to go to the cboe and check option prices. The genius of Mr. Cook is that he uses real estate type techniques in the stock market; options, margin and covered calls. Throught out this and other books by Mr. Cook, he constantly suggests caution.I made 50% on a stock split play earlier this week and am now using the LOCC FREE STOCKS technique and have the stock market pay for my stocks. Again this is straight out of real estate, buy a piece of propery and have it pay for itself by lease options or rentals.Reader from Austin is obviously very inexperienced in the markets and didn't take the time to read the whole book. Too bad for him.

More creative advice by Mr. Cook
Although the techniques in this, the fifth installment of the WALL STREET MONEY MACHINE series were and are practiced by savvy wall streeters, how many were sharing these ideas with the rest of us? Answer? Only one--WADE COOK!

And that is the only thing that I will agree with regarding that Wade Cook basher (yeah, it really is only one guy), that is, what Wade teaches is not necessarily new, savvy experienced investors knew about them and unforunately, they want to keep it that way---to themselves.

Thanks WADE for sharing.

When they say it's too good to be true..........
It usually is, except with Wade's book FREE STOCKS. It really works! How do I know? I've done it! Great stuff. Thanks Wade!

More powerful advice from Wade
I love the word FREE. Something special about that word FREE. In Free Stocks, Wade Cook uncovers even more insider secrets on how to turbo charge your stocks. Funny, I was talking to a seasoned 25 year stock market veteran and he says he has been doing this for years and was a little taken back that WADE COOK so the masses could learn and benefit from this.

We should all be grateful that a guy like Wade Cook is around who shares this wisdom.

FREE STOCKS is a powerful book that can turbo charge your investments and give you POWERFUL RETURNS.

Great book. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Harnessing the Power of Quantitative Techniques to Create a Winning Trading ProgramLars Kestner Quantitative Trading Strategies takes readers through the development and evaluation stages of today's most popular and market-proven technical trading strategies. Quantifying every subjective decision in the trading process, this analytical book evaluates the work of well-known "quants" from John Henry to Monroe Trout and introduces 12 all-new trading strategies. It debunks numerous popular misconceptions, and is certain to make waves--and change minds--in the world of technical analysis and trading.

Reviews (4)

Nice introduction to quantitative trading
Very easy reading. You will find this book quite useful if you are trading using a mechanized approach via a platform such as TradeStation. You will also find it useful if you are developing software like TradeStation that backtests trading strategies. This is why I read the book.

In part one, he describes his testing methodology and discusses the building blocks that make up the strategies that he discusses later. For example, moving averages, channel breakouts, momentum, etc. are discussed under trend following techniques and relative strength index stochastics, and MACD under price oscillators. Most importantly, he describes how to use statistical measurements to analyze the performance of a strategy.

In Part 2, he presents his results of testing the following strategies:

Channel Breakout
Dual Moving Average Crossover
Momentum
Volatility Breakout
Stochastics
Relative Strength Index
MACD

followed by some of his ideas and innovations that improve upon them. He uses 12 years of daily price data (1990 - 2001) and each strategy tests 29 different futures contracts along with 34 different stocks. He also discusses money management, which is must reading.

Although he does not provide any code (which I would have liked to have seen), he does give enough information so that you can implement any of these strategies in TradeStation or any other strategy back testing software, assuming that you have some knowledge of basic programming.

I would have liked to have seen some strategies dealing with pure price patterns. Other than that, a very well organized and thought out book. My rating for this book is 4.5 stars.

it's ok
I agree with the reviewer below. This book did not give many pure mathematical ideas. He gave some good examples that may be helpful to some but not to people who are looking for good solid mathematical strategies.

If you are just getting interested in quantitative strategy development I would suggest the book.

Easy to follow, but not much insight.
This is probably a book for ordinary investors, but certaily not for "Quant". The book is definitely very easy to follow. However, other than a few technical analysis tools, Kestner didn't really address quantitative investing. He just provided a few computer printouts for a few technical strategies - no fundamental data or "real" quantitative tools were ever used. If you don't have the math/statistics/finance backgroud, but want to learn how to systematically use technical analysis, buy this book. For serious Quants, don't worry about it.

Concise and intelligent
Worth the money, as the book provides an in-depth explanation about money management and risk. It is also very well written with good illustrative examples and easy to follow.

It also provides great ideas to trading systems and very insigthful information on how to analyze trading performance. The great advantage of this book is that it actually explains the assembling of a trading system from concept to an actual trading tool. However, it lacks explanation on real-trading, commission and slippage issues.

I like the book due to a defined and well ordered stream of information. Perry Kauffman's trading system book is the complete opposite of Kestner's work. Despite Kauffman's solid knowledge, his writing is so hard to follow to the point that some sentences provide a double meaning interpretation. The information is also shuffled and disorganized to the point of addressing some unnecessary issues.

Kestner's work is much more enjoyable... ... Read more

Book Description

"Overall this book provides an excellent summary of the state of knowledge of term structure modelling. It combines a solid academic background with the practical experience of someone who works in the financial sector." Alan White and John Hull, A-J Financial Systems, Canada

The modelling of exotic interest-rate options is such an important and fast-moving area, that the updating of the extremely successful first edition has been eagerly awaited. This edition re-focuses the assessment of various models presented in the first edition, in light of the new developments of modelling imperfect correlation between financial quantities. It also presents a substantial new chapter devoted to this revolutionary modelling method. In this second edition, readers will also find important new data dealing with the securities markets and the probabilistic/stochastic calculus tools. Other changes include: a new chapter on the issues arising in the pricing of several classes of exotic interest-rate instruments; and insights from the BDT and the Brennan and Schwartz approaches which can be combined into a new class of "generalised models". Further details can be found on the links between mean-reversion and calibration for important classes of models. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Good on Several Levels
Rebonato covers the material on different levels, providing not only full mathematical formulations, but also the English version of the math along with explanations of significance of the topics covered. This book is excellent for those with the mathematical background to understand the math, and is easy to follow for those with less than rigorous mathematical background. I would recommend a good foundation in general option pricing (at least an introduction to Black-Scholes and lattice modeling) prior to reading this book. Futures, Options, and Swaps by Kolb and Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives by Hull would be good preliminary readings. Rebonato does a good job in discussing the various modeling techniques, along with the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Excellent introduction to interest rate option models
By restricting attention to interest-rate option models only, the author manages to give a thorough introduction to the subject, that goes way beyond the short chapters in standard textbooks such as Hull's or Wilmott's (I am not familiar with Miron and Swannell).

The first edition (the one that I'm familiar with) does indeed contain a number of irritating typos, many terms are first used then defined later, and the figures in particular can be greatly improved upon (I think they were produced by `Excel', which is not the best tool to produce high-quality figures for a serious technical book), however such glitches are typical of almost all books of such size and technical level.

The mathematics is not entirely trivial, but not too sophisticated either (a typical university science/engineering graduate should be able to handle it easily), and the author makes a valiant attempt to explain all relevant concepts from linear algebra to probability theory (I have to add that I didn't appreciate certain fast tricks like dropping the measure `dt' from the end of certain equations `to lighten the notation'. By doing that, one ends up with the wrong equation!)

As the author clearly indicates at the beginning, though reasonably self-contained, the book is by no means intended for a first course on option theory. However, for readers familiar with the basic facts of options and futures (at the level of Hull's book), this is a great book to read. I personally learnt an enormous lot from a first reading. I highly recommend it.

Great for intuitive understanding
The book places more emphasis on an intuitive grasp of the complex mathematics involved, though this must mean giving up rigour to an extent.

Essential Reference for Exotic Options
This book may be the best resource on exotic interest rate options. Riccardo Rebanato takes a difficult topic and gives it a thorough and clear treatment so that any professional can tackle the models for these products. Derivatives professionals will also want to know more about credit derivatives and will need an additional resource.

I highly recommend "Credit Derivatives" (2nd Edition) by Tavakoli. Tavakoli discusses this class of exotic options with clear product description illustrates both the the customer - including hedge funds - and professional applications.

Most comprehensive book wirtten on this topic
It is really a pleasure to read this book. While covering the most important topics it remains focused on the essentials. Whenever you have to deal with a concept in the literature about fixed income instruments you are not aware off Rebonato is always a good reference to start with, similar to Hull's or Wilmott's book.

Rebonato addresses consequently practical implementation issues (although not coevering the technical details of the implementation algorithms - read the original papers for that!) that are frequently missing in so many academic publications. This makes it to one of my favorit books on my book shelf. I am looking forward to his next book on intrest rate derivatives. ... Read more

Book Description

Wiley Online Trading For A Living

Beat Risk and Reap Rewards Like A Pro!

The Compelling True Story of Howa Top Market Maker Built a Successful Trading Business

Praise for How I Trade Options

"To much of the outside world, trading appears to be as incomprehensible as rocket science. What Jon Najarian has done in this engaging and very readable book is to 'demystify' the world of options for both the aspiring trader and the retail investor. How I Trade Options is a rare opportunity to look over the shoulder of this experienced options trader, teacher, and lecturer." –Lewis J. Borsellino, CEO/Founder, www.TeachTrade.Com; Author, The Day Trader: From the Pit to the PC

"How I Trade Options gives retail investors who have little or no prior knowledge the insight into how options work and how to use them effectively and responsibly. For those who want to learn about options, this is a rare opportunity to learn from a master trader. Najarian shows commitment to educating investors on the use of options to enhance their portfolios." –Rance Masheck, President, Quantum Vision Inc.

"Not only is Jon Najarian a Supertrader, he is a Superteacher. I owe much of my good fortune to Jon Najarian. I learned more from him than I had learned in an entire decade–plus it was fun! Jon’s abilities to make his profitable trading strategies understandable are sure to make How I Trade Options a must-have tool that every option trader will want to own." –Don Fishback, Developer of the Fishback Option Pricing Model

"Jon Najarian is a world-class options trader and a world class options educator. His crystal clear explanations of such strategies as vertical spreads empower the average investor to participate in attractive options approaches that, until now, have been dominated by professional traders." –Bernie Schaeffer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Schaeffer’s Investment Research, Inc.

Please visit our Web site at www.wileyfinance.com ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Friends,family only giving 5 stars.
Did you hear about when Amazon accidentally uncovered the identities of some of the reviewers and it was discovered that a lot of Authors were giving their own books numerous 5 stars reviews?This book in my opinion is a classical example of that,the book has no structure,no organisation.The author blows his trumpet a lot about his farcical NFL career (who cares).It is truly an awful book on options and I would be willing to give my copy away for free.I would give it 0 stars if Amazon would have given me that option,buyer beware.

Love me please .... honestly I am great
This book was a disappointment. Talk about an ego. All full of himself when he carried the water bucket for the Chicago Bears.

Seriously, there is no useful information in this book about option trading. There is no strategy that you can apply. I would give my book to charity but whats the point.

I see Mr. Najarian in Chicago trying to look like Steven Seagal with the pony tail.

Pass on this book. Stick with Mcmillan or Fontanills. Even Schaeffer hits the mark compare with Jon Najarian. PS Why the "dr" label either trying to copy his successful father or imply he is qualified. Well not qualified in options books

TO "A READER FROM INDIANA"
This is exactly why this man has made this book. Only people who don't understand how to trade options correctly would give a review like that. I have had the oppertunity to work with Dr. J and learn the real way to trade options and if anyone reads the book you don't buy options, OR stocks in that matter, last minute, you buy them for 3 to 6 months. I believe this book doesn't tell you all there is to tell, it wasn't written that way. It is to show you how he makes his money. People like that guy from Indiana makes me glad I make money off him. BOOK IS GREAT!

Save Your Time and Pass On This One.
There are 2 real option books: 1) Options: Perception Deception and 2) Option Volatility & Pricing by Natenberg. Maybe there are a few others; but the 50 I've read have been useless.

"How I Trade Options" I would re-title as "Why I Am Fabulous and A Couple Option Stories" There is not one method in this book that will put option profits in your pocket.

An example of his trading: Way back when Yahoo was going up $20 each day for weeks, he finally saw this pattern and bought some shares and sold within minutes for a $2 profit. Can anyone tell me how that adds to my options or trading knowledge? I know people that made a fortune on those Yahoo runups - and they weren't professional traders; and all Dr. J got was $2.

Buy the real options books I mentioned and leave this celebrity puffery for Dr. J's personal library.

A Complete Insight Into How I Trade Options
Trade with the best. There are few better or faster ways to learn how to trade effectively than to seek out top traders and learn from them. An options pro for 20 years, Jon Najarian is quite simply one of the world's best options traders.

It is not just his storied career at the world's premier options exchange, extensive experience trading on and off the floor, gold-plate credentials or nationwide educational presentations that make him such a credible and effective teacher. Najarian possesses the genuine gift of clear communication: the ability to convey at times complex ideas in comprehensible, readily accessible, and memorable language.

Importantly, clear communication is one of the hallmarks of "Dr. J's" How I Trade Options, part of John Wiley & Sons publication's "Online Trading For A Living" book series. Jon has given me a personalized tour of the Chicago Board Options Exchange and I was present at his seminar at TradingMarkets2000 at the Venetian, so I am familiar with his communication style. Throughout the read, I felt like Jon was talking to me, articulating the basics, anticipating my questions, making a subject that can be perplexing, eye-opening, and even fun.

I don't trade options--yet--but this book had the mysterious quality of making me feel ready to do so. Mysterious because it sublimely entered my consciousness, unwittingly rendering me suddenly capable of understanding when and why to employ an Iron Butterfly strategy. Or why never to sell straddles. Or when and why bull call spreads--and bear put spreads--make sense (they get 90% of the profit potential of a naked call or put for half the investment and at only a fraction of the downside risk due to volatility and time decay). Prior to reading this book, questions loomed about options trading--How I Trade Options answered many of them.

How I Trade Options also provides a personal account of Dr. J's life (the initials on his trading badge were chosen in deference to his famous surgeon father, known by the same acronym). From his high school days with (the artist formerly known as) Prince, to Berkeley, to the Chicago Bears, to the big leagues of trading, to inventor, to his role as one of the de facto trading ambassadors at the CBOE, Jon shares with you an overview of his storied life.

There is something here for longer-term investors as well as traders with shorter time frames, as he shows you readily comprehendible strategies used by institutions on how to add value to existing portfolios, how to take out the equivalent of an insurance policy on your stocks, and how to "repair" or take steps to "make whole" a portfolio ravaged by an untoward move--remember 2000, the Nasdaq's worst year on record? Also of interest to longer-term stake holders are strategies involving LEAPS, long-term options.

Other things you'll learn from one of the best minds in the industry:

--The difference between American and European style options.
--What it takes to succeed in trading.
--Low-cost ways to speculate and take advantage of leverage.
--When to do what, and more importantly, why.
--How to play the broad market.
--How to play from the short side.
--How to get the right tools--quotes, software, brokers, and continuing education.
--Myriad details on the inner workings of stock, options, and the players that will enhance your overall comprehension of the broad market.

Barring personalized instruction and perhaps a personalized tour of the CBOE by one of its biggest players, this may be the next best thing. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

This is no beginner book, let alone for the comp. idiot
If you are brand new to the world of stocks and options (like me), this is NOT the book for you. This book is 180º from "easy". Reading this has been an exercise in massive frustration. Every other sentence was greek to me, even from the first chapter onwards.

I purchased this book based on the customer reviews below. All gave it high marks. The mistake I made was not recognizing that most of the reviewers were already well versed in not only trading, but the language of trading. Furthermore, all of the other editorial reviews and quotes that I found on this book are from people in the business of stocks. This is like asking a Unix coder if a piece of software is "easy to use." They will not be able to give a true answer because they no longer remember what a beginner's mind is.

This actually may be a very, very well written book. The only error may be the incorrect cover and title, saying that it was written for the complete beginner, the complete and utter idiot. That is just not true. Scott Barrie may be the best options trader in the world, he may also be a brilliant writer. Neither of these qualify him to write a beginner's book. It takes extraordinary skills to take a complex topic and describe it so that anyone can understand.

Nice book
If you have to start somewhere it might as well be here. This book is one of a kind. It opens up the world of futures and options perfectly. The author, Mr.Barrie, doesn't hesitate to tell you about your risks potential. He emphasizes it over and over in fact. The only thing he doesn't develop fully is why futures and options are so risky.

In my 11 years as a futures investor, broker, and author, I have come to discover that leverage is the criminal that makes futures so risky. If Mr.Barrie had spent more time developing that along with some solidly proven money management techniques I would have given him a 5 star rating.

I don't advise options but if you do try them buy this book
I personally prefer stock, bonds, and mutual funds, but you can make a ton of money trading futures and options. As the author says "People can reap huge profits, or lose their shirts".

The book gives a very good overview of all the major markets, including history of futures trading as well as how large an order should be, the typical margin put up, and how volitle of and investment a particular futures market can be, like advising corn as a good starting point and staying away from metals. I also agree with that philosophy. Another thing the author does in explaing the markets that i like is that he informs the reader of all the factors that can influence price fluctuations and how to try to time your movements into and out of the markets based on these trends. I also like that he does admit that there is a time to sell a winner and to sell a loser to cut your loses instead of going deeper in debt. sometimes it is best to get out after your first margin call.

The thing that I think makes the book most valuable are the options strategies. These also work very well with stocks and some index funds. As the author states these are very limited profit potential, but there is also very little risk. If you guess the market pretty well then there is almost no risk. My favorite of these is also the most basic the straddle option. Here you can make money if prices go up on down, but not if they remain fairly consistent. You typically purchase and at the money call ( right to buy) option and an at the money put option ( right to sell)the only risk involved is the money that is initially paid for the option. Both are purchase at roughly the same strike price so if a price swing up or down will net the option holder some money. Their are other strategies such as the bear put spread, and bull call spread as well as married options were you are actually buying futures. I personally do not like the three becasue all involve selling an options contract which theoretically can have unlimited loss potential. Unless you are very experienced and have a good track record stay away from them.

In conclusion options and futures are very risky intruments. I would advise simply playing the stocks and funds, but if you like this market i would advise buying optiosn, the most you risk there is the amount you paid for the options, and there are no margin calls, I persoanlly know someone who was almost driven to bankruptcy becasue he did not know what he was doing and got into the futures market. I must admit though that the futures market intrests me more than and other area of finance and investing.

Simple clear and thorough
I have read a few books on futures and find many gaps in basic information. As I struggle to put the pieces together, this book was a breath of fresh air. Comprehensive, including interesting history of the beginnings of these markets. Thorough, including pricing, quote info, basic info on each commodity, financial, index, etc. You need other readings about options, but the BEST basic book on commodities and futures

At last a book that teaches someone how to use Seasonals
As a CTA, I'm always on the lookout for books that will help people learn to be better traders. Even though I'm a big believer in using the technicals, incorporating these seasonal strategies can only help one to have more winning trades and fewer losses.

This book was a real eye-opener for me and I recommend it to anyone who trades for a living or wants to learn to trade... ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Could be half the size
I caution against this book. I found it quite patronizing and takes forever to get to the point. Some of the economics are quite dubious and I don't like it's continual use of analogies; this is an excerpt explaining how stock market cycles are made up of smaller cycles.

"Here's an analogy. This book is made of many chapters. Within each chapter are separate sections that, when strung together, create that chapter. The sections are made of a series of paragraphs: the paragraphs are built of sentences , which are formed by words. Each word, sentence, paragraph, and section is a complete unit in and of itself. And, when looked at as a whole, they form the complete book. Get the picture?"

If you don't mind paragraphs like the above (and there are a lot of them) then there are some pearls of wisdom in this book but I find the style quite distracting. If you are serious about trading this might be a good first book but I strongly suggest going on to read some more serious books.

Excellent book for someone new to trading
This was a well written book in easy-to-understand English. I am new and green to trading and trading terms. The author made complex subjects easy to understand. Before this book, I looked at stock charts, threw my hands up in the air and screamed out of ignorance. Now, having read the book, I can read stock charts with ease.

This is a great introductory book for short-term trading. After this one, you'll be more knowledgeable and able to advance to the more complicated books.

Toni Turner, thank you for this book.

BUY IT!
This book is packed with valuable, usable information from oscillators to use of candlestick patterns and lots more. The writing style is simple yet effective, better than most books that cost many times more. BUT IT!

Road to Rich's
I found Toni Turner's book a very excellent one crammed with lots of information very useful for those "going short" to those that "going long" and everything in between. Armed with all the information contained within, and learning about chart's and graph's, terminology, market data, resources, indicators, etc., etc., your goal of success will be very high. And to top it off she's very funny; so the sections that have to cover the boring information is made very fun and light hearted. Plus her "Hot Tips" throughout the book are very useful and the motivation sections are just icing on the cake. Nothing less than 5 Stars for such a great asset and a great source of reference material in the future.

Simple & Fun
In this book, Toni Turner takes a complex subject,hits all the basics and makes it fun and easy to understand. AWESOME beginners book!!! ... Read more

Book Description

This concluding volume of Larry Williams' revolutionary work. Includes over 50 pages of Larry's personal day trading knowledge.A money management technique to give you a 99% probability of doubling your money.The Ultimate Oscillator, the Zero Balance Method, loads more.This book is filled from cover to cover with usable hands-on trading strategies and tools. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great guide!
Mr.Williams never ceases to amaze me. He has done a phenomenal job of putting this compendium together. He doesn't get bogged down in trivial mathematics. He makes futues accessible to the lay person. I have been trading futures as an investor and broker for the past 11 years. ... With my experience I find it is very important that new investors feel like futures is accessible. Mr.Williams does that in all of his books. The is definitely a great reference guide.

no meat
i feel larry is giving a morsel here and a morsel there and not giving away the real meat! Disappointed.

besides it a dated book, needs an upgrade

satish paul

no meet
i feel larry is giving a morsel here and a morsel there and not giving away the real meat! Disappointed.

besides it a dated book, needs an upgrade

satish paul

not much meat
i feel larry is giving a morsel here and a morsel there and not giving away the real meat! Disappointed.

besides it a dated book, needs an upgrade

satish paul

holding back a lot
i feel larry is giving a morsel here and a morsel there and not giving away the real meat! Disappointed.

besides it a dated book, needs an upgrade

satish paul ... Read more