Options Trading Books: Help!

Moonshine · #1 07-17-2007, 02:55 PM

So I've got a big interest in finance and I'm looking to start dabbling in options trading because it looks extremely sexy and appeals to my gambler mentality.

That being said, I don't want to put a dime in until I've done massive amounts of reading on the subject. I was just wondering if anyone could recommend some good books to me.

Thanks guys.

ifckladyluck · #2 07-17-2007, 03:09 PM

natenburg options & volality is what they made me read on the american stock exchange

edtost · #3 07-17-2007, 03:44 PM

hull is the standard text, taleb might be better for a self-studyer.

SuperWhale · #4 07-17-2007, 07:52 PM

Options as a strategic investment by Mcmillan could be helpful too.

pig4bill · #5 07-18-2007, 12:35 AM

cboe.com

Lots of basic information for free.

ifckladyluck · #6 07-18-2007, 09:55 AM

hull is too general in scope. wont really teach you anything if you want to trade.

edtost · #7 07-18-2007, 10:52 AM

[ QUOTE ]
hull is too general in scope. wont really teach you anything if you want to trade.

[/ QUOTE ]

would you be comfortable actively trading without being exposed to most of hull, even if its not sufficient?

imaptone · #8 07-18-2007, 11:07 AM

If you are a beginner and want to know the basics, I would read "options made easy" by Guy Cohen. It is a very easy to read book that breaks down the basics of option strategies with many clear concise examples. I have read the McCafferty book that is mentioned below and I found Cohen book more accessible.

ifckladyluck · #9 07-18-2007, 03:20 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
hull is too general in scope. wont really teach you anything if you want to trade.

[/ QUOTE ]

would you be comfortable actively trading without being exposed to most of hull, even if its not sufficient?

[/ QUOTE ]

if i had to buy a book on options trading, it wouldnt be hulls. the options coverage is weak, and nothing you cant learn for yourself after a couple of minutes on yahoo finance 101. the natenburg text covers everything that the hull text does, plus more. its also written with trading in mind.

pig4bill · #10 07-18-2007, 05:20 PM

Nobody has mentioned Bernie Schaeffer's site - www.schaeffersresearch.com. Lots of free stuff there in addition to the many services he pimps.