Covered Call Writing With Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Double-Digit Returns, Diversification, Downside Protection (Plastic Comb)

by Paul D. Kadavy

THIS BOOK HAS BEEN RECENTLY UPDATED TO INCLUDE ALL OF THE NEWEST ETFs OFFERED AND AN UPDATE ON THOSE ETFs FOR WHICH COVERED CALL WRITING IS NOW AVAILABLE.

"COVERED CALL WRITING WITH EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (ETFs)" is a tutorial investment program designed for investors who utilize Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and who desire to learn about and implement a covered call writing strategy to achieve conservative double-digit returns. It is primarily for investors who have some knowledge of stock market and Exchange Traded Fund investing but are new to covered call writing. As a companion book to "COVERED CALL WRITING DEMYSTIFIED" for ETF investors, it simplifies, fully explains, and instructs investors on how to use covered call option writing on ETFs. The program outlined in the book offers perhaps the single best opportunity to achieve double-digit investment returns in the slow growth or no growth stock market expected by many experts in the future. This strategy works best in such a market environment. The investment approach of writing covered call options, a more conservative investment strategy than just owning ETFs alone,! has been available for decades. Until now, however, it has often been unknown or misunderstood by many investors, especially its use in conjunction with ETFs.

Why is "COVERED CALL WRITING WITH EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (ETFs)" needed? Many nationally recognized investment experts believe that the U.S. stock market in the future will most certainly produce significantly lower returns than the high returns of the past for many years to come. Some noteworthy examples:

* "The long-term prospects for equities in general is far from exciting." - Warren E. Buffett, The Chairman’s Letter, Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. 2000 Annual Report, Page 3

* "Over the next century you should expect your share prices to average 6% (return) a year. Over the next five years, ten years, I think you’ll be lucky to come out even on share prices." - Sir John Templeton, pioneer in the mutual fund industry, Business Center, CNBC TV Interview; October 1, 2001

* "The Dow has gone absolutely nowhere for three, coming on four years now. I think this will last maybe for another ten years." - John Bollinger, noted technical analyst and creator of the "Bollinger Bands," CNBC TV Interview; October 29, 2001

"COVERED CALL WRITING WITH EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (ETFs)" is unique because:

(1) A list by category of all Exchange Traded Funds is provided, specifically indicating those ETFs that offer covered call writing. Each ETF on which covered call writing is available is ranked according to the extent of call option writing choices available and the volume of option trading to assist investors with selection of the best alternatives for covered call writing. Other information about each ETF is also provided.

(2) A detailed investment program is outlined for personal implementation to assist investors in achieving consistent double-digit returns utilizing covered call writing on Exchange Traded Funds. This investment strategy is most effective in a slow growth or no growth stock market, the kind of market projected in the future by so many investment experts.

(3) The entire subject matter is centered on a focused area of standardized options...covered call writing on ETFs an investor owns or acquires in the future.

(4) A complete education on the subject is provided.

(5) Unlike other books about options, it is easy to understand by any investor.

(6) Easy-to-use Microsoft® Excel templates for PC use as well as manual worksheets are provided to assist in making specific investment decisions regarding which covered calls to write on ETFs, to effectively track results, and for other planning purposes.

From the Author
I have successfully used the strategy of covered call option writing personally for almost twenty years. During that time, I have continually looked for books on the subject. I have never yet found one book that both (1) is totally dedicated to providing an education to the investor exclusively on covered call writing, and (2) provides a program for use by the investor to implement a covered call writing strategy. Virtually all of the books on the subject cover the broad spectrum of option investing, including ultra speculative uses as well as conservative ones. In addition, the authors I have encountered seem to feel it is necessary to impress the reader with their knowledge by making the subject matter virtually unintelligible.

I wrote "COVERED CALL WRITING WITH EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (ETFs)" as well as "COVERED CALL WRITING DEMYSTIFIED" (for use in covered call writing with individual common stocks) because there are no other books like them on the market. All levels of investors who have a basic understanding of the stock market and Exchange Traded Funds can also readily understand them. They have everything an investor needs to actually implement a personal program of covered call writing on ETFs or individual stocks owned or acquired in the future. Excel templates for PC use are included with the books. These are templates I’ve developed and used personally to make quality call option writing decisions and to keep accurate records of performance. Manual worksheets are also included so that investors who don’t use a computer can fully implement the program.