Fundamentals of the Futures Market (Paperback)

by Donna Kline (Author) "The futures markets have lured investors for many years..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, Screen Net Change, Paper Net Change Value (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
From the basics of open outcry trading to advanced technical indicators, Fundamentals of the Futures Market gives beginning futures traders everything they need to get started. This hands-on workbook walks readers through the entire process to read and understand major reports, track prices, follow the major indicators, and more. In today's fast-paced futures trading arena, it provides the tools readers need to trade in any commodity market--grains, metals, or financials--and minimize risk as they sharpen their trading skills.

From the Back Cover
Find Out How Any Investor Can Hedge Portfolio Risks--and Increase Trading Profits--in Today's Futures Marketplace

The commodities futures market--long seen as the province of professional hedge fund managers and frenzied, hand-waving pit traders--has begun to grab the attention of individuals everywhere. Sharp investors are using today's technology to access high-level research and information, hedge their trading risks, and leverage small amounts of cash into sizable investment profits.

Fundamentals of the Futures Market is a step-by-step guidebook to the opportunities and risks in today's wide-open commodity markets. Plain-English analyses and explanations combine with quizzes, checklists, charts, graphs, and more to reveal:
* Reports and major indicators to watch--and how to interpret their meanings
* Types of orders--including market, limit, and stop orders--and when to use each
* Tips of the Trade--Techniques the pros use to profit from price changes, avoid errors, and more

From hands-on basics to advanced technical skills, Fundamentals of the Futures Market will give you everything you need to truly understand and profit from the exciting, newly accessible futures marketplace. Let this hands-on book--along with its companion Fundamentals of investing guides--help you build the skills and confidence for success ... before you risk your money in the no-room-for-error waters of real-time trading!

Hone Your Trading Skills with McGraw-Hill's Fundamentals of investing series!
*Fundamentals of the Stock Market by O'Neill Wyss
*Fundamentals of the Bond Market by Esme Faerber
*Fundamentals of the Options Market by Michael S. Williams and Amy Hoffman

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (December 12, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071361324
• ISBN-13: 978-0071361323
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #562,461 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Sloppy editing, April 22, 2004

By	D. Brady (Santa Cruz, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Most "investment advice" books suffer from poor editing, both of the 'grammar & syntax' variety, and, more distressingly for this genre, flat-out incorrect information. Klines's book is no exception- the grammar & syntax are fine, but her book is replete with factual errors and misstatements. For example, on page 207, she defines a synthetic long futures as "sell a call option, buy a put option." Wrong. That is a synthetic short position. Similar errors pervade the book.
One useful feature is chapter 3, which presents futures contract specifications. However, even here, some of the information is occasionally confusing or misleading.
This book is published by McGraw-Hill, a highly reputable house. My surmise is that McGraw-Hill has no financial experts on its editorial staff; otherwise, it wouldn't tolerate the publication of such a sloppily-edited piece. Disappointing!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK, January 22, 2001

By	Marc (Michigan) - See all my reviews

If you are new to trading, or are interested in learning about the futures markets, then you will not be disappointed with this book. I was definitely impressed with the amount of market information that it covered. The History of the Futures markets, fundamental & technical analysis, mechanics of the trading floor, margins, interpretation of news, are all explained. In addition, it contains a great section on trading techniques for each specific commodity market. This would make a great reference textbook for seasoned traders and brokers as well. I would definitely recommend this book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Fundamental "Fudamentals", January 17, 2001

By	Michael McKee "mmckee1895" (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews

Anyone who watches Donna Kline on Bloomberg Television knows she's the authority on futures and credit markets, a knowledge she shares in Fundamentals of the Futures Market. Written for those with some experience in financial markets, Fundamentals of the Futures Market takes the reader step-by-step through the process of evaluating, buying, and selling futures. The book traces the history of financial markets and the development of futures trading, defines the key terms, and outlines the external factors -- from the economy to the weather -- that affect futures prices. Drawing on her years of experience in and around the trading pits, Kline also offers tips for traders and dealers. It's full of practical advice, leavened with humor and clear cautions about the dangers inherent in trading. Buyers, brokers, and those who follow the futures markets should keep this handy reference nearby.