Options Demystified (Paperback)

by Thomas McCafferty  

"Options Demystified" follows in the tradition of the series. The book teaches the complex and intimidating subject of options in an easy-to-understand manner, perfect for readers without formal finance or investment training. The format of the book also allows for an efficient use of the reader's time. Organised as a self-teaching guide, the book is filled with illustrations, definitions of industry terms, and real life examples. The author provides key points, background information, questions and quizzes (with answer key) at the end of every chapter to help the reader analyse his or her strengths and weaknesses, and a final exam to wrap it all up. In "Options Demystified" the reader will learn the many uses of options under a wide variety of circumstances. After covering the basics of the options universe - including a description of options, why options were invented, and the terminology of options - the author delves into all the key aspects of the major uses of options.

From the Back Cover

A down-to-earth guide for understanding, trading, and making money from options

Do you want to learn how to use options without getting lost in confusing theories and complicated math? Options Demystified takes the mystery out of options, providing you with concise descriptions of various option strategies and the basic knowledge you need to execute basic stock and commodity options trades. It also includes some of the more complex techniques like covered calls, spreads, straddles and hedges, and more.

This unique, step-by-step guide uses short, snappy explanations and easy-to-understand examples--along with chapter-ending quizzes and a 50-question final exam--to give you the confidence you need to begin trading options like a pro. More important, the author reveals the psychological side of trading, so you keep a clear head in the heat of trading. You'll know why today's smartest investors and traders rely on the versatility of the options marketplace--and how you can too!

Look inside for hands-on details including:

• What kind of person makes the most successful options trader
• The pitfalls and mistakes that cost traders valuable time and money
• Types of options-- stock, index, currency, financial futures, commodity, dealer, real estate, and employee incentive
• Puts versus calls, buying versus selling, which to use, why, and when
• Increasing income and limiting risk by selling covered options
• The risk and reward of selling naked options and why this strategy is so dangerous
• The importance of time and intrinsic value, and how to measure them using the delta factor
• Rules governing price change--volatility, probability, and profitability
• LEAPS, the Forex market, commodities and financial futures, and sample strategies to play these markets