I'm not very familiar with options, but would like to learn more about them. I would like to use them as a substitute for some of my directional trades (stocks & futs). Very basic strategies, buying calls and puts. Hold time would be normally 10-60 days...... Very basic stuff Just want to understand the quotes better, volumes, heavily traded options, how far out the options should be, in the money vs out, etc I have a cursory understanding so not necessarily options 101, but the next step. Thanks in advance! *Edit to say that it doesn't have to be a book, but that's my preference. Even good basic option threads, etc would be welcomed.
There are some courses under cboe.com http://cboe.com/LearnCenter/cboeeducation/Course_01_01/mod_01_01.aspx
Here's a start http://www.optionseducation.org/ http://www.onn.tv/ http://vixandmore.blogspot.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.sfomag.com/ http://66.151.24.54/riskdoctor/OTTHRLITE.pdf Carl
Options market making by baird is really good. It's basic+ as it has several strategies and risk parameters that might be overwhelming to someone new
1) Option Volatility & Pricing - Natenberg 2) Options, Futures, & Other Derivatives - Hull 3) Option Market Making - Baird
I have to agree with "options made easy" for basic strategies and basic spreads. Also if options is completely new then it's a great read. Then if you want more info, I then recommend "options as a strategic investment" by mcmillan ( which I'm currently reading). This was also mentioned in a prev post. If you're serious.... Then you must read " option Volatility and pricing" by natenberg. The two later books were recommended by this forum and I recommend them as well!
http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Options-Michael-Thomsett/dp/047117758X - Getting Started in Options by Michael Thomsett. Good book in my opinion. Not much on spreads though...