Table of Contents
 
Title Page
Copyright Page
Acknowledgements
Element Key
Introduction
 
Chapter 1 - Calls and Puts: Defining the Field of Play
 
The Call Option
The Put Option
Option Valuation
 
Chapter 2 - Opening, Closing, Tracking: How It All Works
 
A Note on the Expiration Cycle
Using the Daily Options Listings
Understanding Option Abbreviations
 
Chapter 3 - Buying Calls: Maximizing the Rosy View
 
Understanding the Limited Life of the Call
Judging the Call
Call Buying Strategies
Defining Profit Zones
 
Chapter 4 - Buying Puts: The Positive Side of Pessimism
 
The Limited Life of the Put
Judging the Put
Put Buying Strategies
 
Chapter 5 - Selling Calls: Conservative and Profitable
 
Selling Uncovered Calls
Selling Covered Calls
Calculating Rate of Return
Timing the Decision
Avoiding Exercise
 
Chapter 6 - Selling Puts: The Overlooked Strategy
 
Analyzing Stock Values
Evaluating Risks
Put Strategies
 
Chapter 7 - Choosing Stocks: Finding the Right Ingredients
 
Developing an Action Plan
Selecting Stocks for Call Writing
Averaging Your Cost
Analyzing Stocks
Applying Analysis to Calls—the “Greeks”
Acting on Good Information
 
Chapter 8 - Strategies in Volatile Markets: Uncertainty as an Advantage
 
Avoiding 10 Common Mistakes
Modifying Your Risk Tolerance
The Nature of Market Volatility
Market Volatility Risk
Options in the Volatile Environment
 
Chapter 9 - Combined Techniques: Creative Risk Management
 
Overview of Advanced Strategies
Vertical Spread Strategies
Horizontal and Diagonal Spread Strategies
Altering Spread Patterns
Hedge Strategies
Straddle Strategies
Theory and Practice of Combined Techniques
 
Chapter 10 - Paper Trading: A Test Run of the Theory
 
The Case for Paper Trading
Two Sites Worth Checking
Proceeding with a Paper-Trading Plan
 
Chapter 11 - Options for Specialized Trading: Leveraging the Technical Approach
 
Swing-Trading Basics
The Setup Signal
Testing the Theory
A Strategic View of Options for Swing Trading
Options Used for Other Trading Strategies
Swing- and Day-Trading Advanced Strategies
 
Chapter 12 - Leveraging Your Leverage
 
Important Distinctions
Regulatory Differences
 
Chapter 13 - Trading Index Options: Playing the Broader Market
 
Advantages to Trading Index Options
Exercise and Expiration Rules
Index Option Strategies
Structured Index Options
 
Chapter 14 - Risk and Taxes: Rules of the Game
 
Identifying the Range of Risk
Tax Consequence Risk
Evaluating Your Risk Tolerance
Tax Ramifications in Trading Options
Qualified Covered Calls—Special Rules
Looking to the Future
 
Chapter 15 - Calculating the Return: A Complex Aspect to Options
 
Finding a Realistic Method
Annualizing Models and Guidelines
An Overview of Basic Calculation for Calls
Anticipating the Likely Return
 
—Glossary—
—Recommended Reading—
Index