Exchange Traded Funds and E-Mini Stock Index Futures

by David Lerman

Book Overview

Shows how to use both ETFs and E-Minis for high-powered results Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are a remarkable new tool for trading and investing in broad market segments or narrow sectors. ETF trading volume and asset growth continue to soar at record levels. Ideal for speculating in and hedging as well as long-term investing in the broader markets, these index products work together to diversify and balance any global portfolio.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471442984
• ISBN13: 9780471442981
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Good Foundational Information

I won't complain about this book at all. It has very good basic information on trading the futures market. Experience traders may not need this but this is a very good starting point and think that is essential for all beginners to own this book.

Outstanding for biginners in ETFs and Emini futures

This is a well written book and easy to read about the history of ETFs and Emini futures. The author describes the creation of the likes of SPY, QQQ, SMH. Why is it important to know about these instruments, how they get created, who manages them, their cost effective investing over regular mutual funds. He goes in great detail by listing all EFTs available today with their tickers as well, till the point I don't need to keep going to the internet. I started trading the EFTs for profit and for hedging in particular after reading this book. The introduction about the Emini futures is useful and gave me a good start in this subject.

good book for beginner

good book for beginner who wants to know about ETFs (like me). helped me in reviewing my holdings.satish paul

Excellent Read

I happened to pick up this wonderful book while in Chicago recently. In browsing through the introductory pages, I smiled at the references to both Warren Buffett and Jack Bogle. Now here, I thought, is someone who "gets it". Buy this book and read it. It is worth every penny. Amidst today's cacaphony of financial marketing, Lerman's voice emerges from these pages with refreshing honesty, simplicity, and reason. Those trying to educate themselves in the area of personal finance and investment should read this book carefully. For conservative investors as well as for those inclined to a bit of speculation on occasion, this book is very well written and informative. Following up on the themes that, in the long run (emphasis), economic fundamentals drive returns; that larger, well-established, actively traded markets are, over time (emphasis), highly efficient; and that costs matter greatly when assessing net performance over extended periods; Lerman does an excellent job of explaining the rapidly developing role of ultra low-cost, exchange traded funds (ETFs) as part of any core indexing program. At the same time, he carefully exposes the many hidden (and, unfortunately, rising) costs lurking in most mutual funds today. Still, Lerman wisely acknowledges, in the short term things can and do happen. While over long periods of time certain markets may be extremely efficient, the difference between that and what may happen in the near term is, as Buffett points out, the difference between day and night. After all, we are inescapably human, and fear and greed will never be completely expunged from our collective psyche. Sudden, unexpected events can result in major market and/or sector security specific swings, and it is during those times that patient investors as well as prudent speculators can occasionally reap outsized returns. Here again, ETFs (as well as the related E-Mini Stock Index Futures for more enterprising individuals) can help. In short, by building a long-term, broadly-based core portfolio around low-cost ETFs and perhaps a few well-chosen securities and/or money managers (particularly in less efficient markets), and by then (for the enterprising investor) complementing such a portfolio with the occasional, more speculative foray, whether by utilizing ETFs, E-Mini Stock Index Futures, or other means, an intelligent individual should be able to navigate successfully today's choppy financial waters.

Investors and Traders Will Love This Book

I've attended several of Mr. Lerman's stock index seminars that he has done for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange--I agree with one of the endorsers that stated that he is a powerful communicator. He has translated his gift for teaching investment/trading principles into written form. Exchange Traded Funds and E-mini Stock Index futures was not only highly educational, it will help boost my investment returns and help save thousands of dollars in annual fees/expenses as well. I particularly liked the asset allocation section and appreciated how easy it is to construct portfolios with Spiders, QQQs and other ETFs. The best parts though were the multitude of strategies for basic investors all the way up to the more advanced trader. The sections on hedging portfolios against a bear market and spreading small/midcaps vs. large caps were easy to comprehend and implement. With small and mid-sized stocks outperforming the large caps YTD 2001, and in 2000, these types of strategies are very germaine. There are also tons of great statistics, graphs and an excellent section on Risk--the most ignored factor in investing. For the advanced investor he also explains fair value and index arbitrage in very easy to comprehend language. Overall, great job...well worth the time and money spent!