1 comments about Wall Street Speculation: Its Tricks and Its Tragedies.

1. Keyes's book is an excellent analysis of the Wall Street speculator dominance of Wall Street,be it in 1900 or 2010 .It is as relevant today as it was when it was first published over 100 years ago.Like Adam Smith and J M Keynes,Keyes points out that it matters tremendously who dominates on Wall Street-the Captains of Industry or the Captains of Finance (Keyes refers to the Captains of Industry when he means the Captains of Finance).Smith identified and described the Captains of Finance correctly in 1776 in The Wealth of Nations as projectors,prodigals and imprudent risk takers.J M Keynes identified them in 1936 in his General Theory as speculators and rentiers.
   The important point made by Keyes is that the general public will always end up losing in the aggregate because they will always end up being the ones bailing out the speculators in one way or another,be it by direct government funded bailouts as in the 1980's,1990's,and 2000's or by the costs of deflation and inflation imposed on the general public in both the panic-crash -recession stage (deflation) or the bubble -mania stage (inflation).
   
   I highly recommend this book for the general citizen who does not have the time or inclination to study the work of Adam Smith or J M Keynes.Of course,the general reader will not have a complete understanding of the technical manner in which speculation damages the macroeconomy over time.However,he will quickly be able to conclude that all American Presidents since Jimmy Carter have been dominated by Wall Street.One only need look at Obama's economic advisors to see this today.

3 comments about Commodity Options : Spectacular Profits with Limited Risk.

1. As a beginning commodity futures trader and options trader, I found this book extremely helpful. The first section goes through all the basics, giving definitions you need to know. The second section gets into using options. Yes there are some typographical errors, so what? My point is the information itself is very helpful for a beginner like myself. On each different option strategy the author states at what point in a market it could be useful, the risk, the potential profit, and then goes into an explanation of the strategy itself including graphs. I think anyone who is new to commodity options trading would find this a useful tool and extremely easy to read. I do recommend this book and plan on using it when developing my future trading strategies. It contains lots of information in an easy readable format.



2. Years ago, Paul Newman took out an ad in the L.A. Times, apologizing for the film (and his performance in), "Paris Blues."

   The apology was most necessary and appropriate....

   Larry Spears and his publisher should do the same---not merely in the Times, but in every financial publication in America....

   I have started this book six times and have never gotten past page 20. The typographical errors are beyond counting.... Even students in a remedial Community College writing course could do better editing....

   Sadly, the title was exactly what I wanted. The book, however, is an insult to Financial Writing....




3. This book is replete with typographical errors - even the words "call option" written as "can option" - numerous times in an options book ??? !!! Shoddy publication!

No comments about Investment and Speculation With Warrants, Options & Convertibles.

2 comments about A Conservative Approach to Trading Options: Common Sense Strategies to Increase Income, Limit Risk, Protect Profits, and Leverage Resources.

1. The idea of "Trading Options" for many garden-variety private investors most likely calls to mind the speculative, risky activities of day traders, or for those with Finance degrees such as myself, the dry and complicated options pricing theory to which we were brutally subjected in business school. However, as the somewhat ironic title of this book suggests, options can be very effective tools in the conservative investor's toolbox to protect profits, leverage available capital and even purchase stocks at a discount.
   
   The author is himself a very successful private investor who has built his security via tried and true conservative principals of sound fundamental analysis, discipline and patience. The book starts off with a simple, easy to digest explanation of what options are and how they work, and then moves into several case studies which examine different scenarios under which options can be used to support conservative investment strategies. Each of these scenarios is based on real-world data and experience (the names of the companies have been changed to avoid implicit recommendations). In each case, the author presents best, worst and middle-of-the-road case scenarios for what outcomes might result from each strategy, and leaves plenty of room for the reader to make his/her own determinations based on individual risk tolerance.
   
   I would highly recommend this book for any private investor's library. It takes a topic which can be quite complicated, and boils it down to simple, straightforward advice which can be used by any average private investor effectively in practice. I used it myself to help navigate 2008 as the market nosedived and was able to avoid the losses I might have suffered had I not had these techniques at my disposal. Definitely check it out.
   
   J.A. Fisher
   Atlanta, GA



2. Most retail investors believe that trading stock options is an activity best left for professionals, gamblers or "well qualified" (rich) investors. Not necessarily true.
   
   Prof. Wolpert has produced a book that is accessible to anyone who knows how to buy and sell common stock shares. I believe that his background as professor of education and a successful investor has enabled him to write this book in a style that makes the subject understandable to everyday investors. The book explains terminology and strategies with real-world examples that a moderately knowledgeable investor can use and understand.
   
   Wolpert proves if you've done your homework on a stock, then trading options in that stock can be easy, relatively low-risk and profitable. This book can be recommended to persons seeking more "options" for their investments.
   
   Be cautioned that Wolpert is using the word "conservative" as it was understood fifty years ago to relate to the idea of actually conserving something, in this case you conserve your money. If you're looking for a political angle, you won't find it in this book.

5 comments about Red Light, Green Light.

1. The booki s the best how to book on playing earnings and annoncements. Other than stocks splits, I cannot think of a more predictable or duplicatable way to make money in the markets than during earnings.

   You won't find this information anywhere else. Great book Wade. Thanks for sharing.




2. Following WADE's advice from his new MUST website, I bought calls on HPQ prior to expected news that Wade had predicted and came true and doubled my money in 1 day! Thanks WADE!



3. Glad to see that the great Wade B. Cook is back after a hiatus.
   Looking forward to your seminars and new strategies.

   Red Light Green Light is a excellent book. But one for yourself and one for your broker. If you broker disagrees, FIR HIM and find a new broker.

   Great strategies.




4. I just got this one and sincerely believe that RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT is Wade's best book to date.Regarding that 1 star reviewer, if you haven't guessed by now, it is really the same person reposting over and over again. Perhaps he can explain why his website that was a tabloid like website bashing Wade with massive deceptions got shut down? Hmmmm Gary?Anyway, please don't let one malcontent rob you of the opportunity to take avantage of Wade's genius and generosity. While many savvy investors are using these strategies, few are willing to share. Perhaps they are afraid that if you learn it, that will ruin the opportunity for them. Says a lot about them doesn't it?Welcome back Wade. 'm looking forward to your seminars when they hit my area.



5. I made a 80% return over a 2 day period by buying options on Multimedia on a post stock split run.

   I have also made H-U-G-E- returns following Wade's advice on earnings and news announcements as per this book. The advice works---if you use it.

   Great book...Great author.

2 comments about How To Start Day Trading Futures, Options, and Indices.

1. I bought this book but it only contains outdated information.e.g on computers that should be used. The book is not true to its title of how to start day trading. Junk info like getting internet connection, comfortable chair etc are frustrating. Basic info like defining trading terms like t & f analysis, what are options & futures can be gleaned from anywhere free of charge. It is unwise to spend money on this book. If one just asks people on the message boards he will get the info free of charge.



2. Recently, a friend--a veteran trader--gave me a gift he said would help me--a novice--further my education. The gift consisted of two books: Oz' "The Stock Trader" and Katz and McCormick's "How to Start Day Trading Futures, Options, and Indices." As far as I'm concerned, these two books complement one another perfectly. One provides insight through example and the other provides basic knowledge and procedure. These books have not only helped me improve my trading and money management skills, but my appreciation of the nuances of the game.

2 comments about Investing in Futures and Options Markets.

1. Dr. Catlett's book covers futures and options with real life situations. Real life situations include hedging against losses from various situations. I had the opportunity to have Dr. Catlett for a Professor, teaching financial futures markets class at New Mexico State University.

   The book covers how to hedge and how not to hedge. He walks you through all of these topics to fully understand the process. There are tables and charts that to help understand the process. After completing the book you will have a great understand of futures and options markets.

   The book is a great reference for futures & options trading!




2. This is a good book. I had the privelege of recently attending a seminar by Lowell Catlett. He is pragmatic and thorough and yet, at times, witty. This book is written much the same way.

   The book is very thorough. It takes you through the history of markets, how they evolved and how they are used today. It provides insights and some "Dos" and "Don'ts". He really makes you think.

   It uses a lot of examples that are clear and very helpful. This makes it an excellent reference book for future trades.

   The only negative I found in the book is one of its virtues, it is too thorough. I think some of the discussions, such as grains and livestock, are similar. The book could have been shortened by about 10 - 20 percent by combining similar options , commenting on the differences and providing an example.

   Overall, I rate this an excellent book! I recently got an MBA from a top school and I learned a ton. This book is a must for the serious options trader who wants to build a good understanding of the investment methods.

5 comments about How to Make Money with Stock Options: A Basic Guide for the Conservative Investor, Second Edition.

1. Another Gem! Do NOT speculate in options witout reading this first! Buy calls and puts with the LOWEST possible 6 month implied volatility, sell calls and puts with the HIGHEST 6 month implied volatility! Also, pick high volume, therefore highly liguid options with the LOWEST bid/ask spreads tro maximize returns! These are some of the most important things I learned.



2. Once again Mervyn Hecht makes understanding stock options easy to understand - and easy to use as a tool for making money. Having known Mervyn Hecht professionally for many years, it was no surprise that his third edition was once again a winner - a book one would want to own if you were interested in making money through stock options. Mervyn writes very clearly and to the point. His credentials and experience are outstanding. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in stock options.



3. I thought Merv Hecht's book How to Make Money with Stock Options was an extremely thoughtful, useful, well written book for the conservative investor who wants to make more money from his or her stock portfolio. Hecht makes clear that options are not just for speculators, that an intelligent conservative strategy can be developed which adds considerably to income. He explains, provides the tools, and the Third Addition includes very useful software to track trades and prepare for tax time.



4. The third edition is a traders' delight. As an educator I look for books that can be useful for investors at all levels. The author gives invaluble tips for beginners and loads of advice for seasoned traders.
   A new addition this time is tracking software that quite handy



5. Especially in these volatile times in the stock market, Hecht's book is extremely valuable reading for investors. Using plain language, Hecht explains how investors can hedge and pursue less risky strategies with stock options. Those who have some familiarity to investing in the stock market will have no trouble understanding Hecht's presentation of what is often difficult material. His book makes it easy for conservative investors, and those who want to pursue less risky approaches, to make stock options a part of their investment strategy. Thanks to Hecht's book, stock options are now an integral part of my approach to the market, and I'm benefitting handsomely.

5 comments about How I've Achieved Triple-Digit Returns Daytrading: 4 Hours A Day.

1. I do not know what people want from a trading book, it is inherently difficult to convey all the nuances associated with making a trade, especially when you are talking about day trading.
   
   The author does a solid job of laying out his approach which should serve as a good place to start for new traders.
   
   The reviewer who was so down on this book and referenced that the author, if such a good trader, should simply manage money rather than selling a book, truly understood day trading, he wold have realized that day trading (as described in the book) is simply not scalable to a point where you could manage millions of dollars.
   
   Walter Devon



2. I am surprised by some of the reviews here stating that the techniques are worthless. No trading strategy can be transferred to a new user without spending some time working with the techniques. Trading is not an exact science, techniques must be practiced and perfected. If one thinks a trading book can immediately result in riches, then they should not be trading anyways. I have worked with these techniques over a 2 month period and they have shown their merit to me.

   With regards to the "reverse colors" on the candlesticks, so what, the color of the candlestick is more a matter of preference than some absolute rule.

   Don't trip over the pennies to get to the dollars.

   Frank Stafford




3. Floyd explains how he made his living for the last 10 years by day trading stocks. His strategy is very easy to understand, and can be read in one evening, which I consider a selling point. And Floyd can prove he has made a living day trading stocks this way.

   The style of trading is super quick -- sometimes only staying in a trade a few minutes. This trading style requires at least $25,000, leverage, and direct access to place trades, but after having that, anyone can't implement this style. I really like the explanation and use of stochastics - the best I've even found.

   Best of all, these trading is ideal for the first two hours of trading. If you're on the West Coast, you can trade for two hours before going to work.

   The book could be better put together, both on durability and editing, but I got my money's worth. Learning a new trading style for $50 is more than reasonable.




4. This book tells you to basically trade with the trend using stochastics, s&p futures and moving averages intraday to capture small moves . It does not work all the time and you must monitor the stock closely and be very disciplined with exiting the position when necessary. If you are a hyperactive trader this book can be of some value. Buy it if you can find it for a lower price than $50.



5. The first person who reviewed this book must have bought it for the wrong reason. Floyd is not interested in discussing all things about day trading i.e. brokers, data feeds, charting packages, ect... he is only interested in telling how he has made his living for the last 10 years by day trading stocks. Floyd's styles are laid out in a very easy to understand way. This book can easily be read in one sitting. Floyd just tells you how he has made his money. His returns are proof that the guy can trade. His trading style in not for fund managers or hedge funds, his style is that of an individual trader with 100k in their account plus margin. His style is simple and fairly easy to follow. But most of all they work!

   With that said this book is not for everyone. You have to really want to be a very quick in and out trader and like trades that only last a couple of minutes. That is all he talks about in the book. He calls it HVT trading and the whole book is only about this one style. Even though the book is good it is not quite worth 50 bucks and it is very cheaply made. (Some of the pages in mine fell out the first time I opened the book.)

   Bottom line, if you like very quick, intense, in and out trading all day, Floyd's methods will work. Look around and try to find the book for less money. I bought mine for 6 bucks, it was money well spent.

2 comments about Trading in Options on Futures.

1. This book is clearly written and thorough. I would have given it at least 4 stars, except for one thing: it has more errors than any book I've ever read (and I've read thousands). It has sentences that make no sense or that you have to interpret because words or phrases are misplaced or jumbled. It has math misprints and math errors all throughout. You would not notice many of the math errors unless you worked through the equations and examples in the book.

   Otherwise, this book is good enough that is should be updated and rewritten.




2. There are lots of books on options but this book stands out above all the rest. It is clearly written with lots of practicle examples. It also is one of the only option books which shows how market makers make markers. Also, risk managers would be interested in the portfolio analysis section. This is a great book for option traders.