AAII's Guide to Top Web Sites
| Options/Futures |
| The top sites provide comprehensive information and statistics on options and futures. Typically, websites will include an education section with seminars, online courses, webcasts and other tools to help novice investors familiarize themselves with these derivatives. Many sites offer instructional articles on basic strategies and instruments used for options and futures. Derivatives have a different risk profile, so make sure to educate yourself on the various risks before buying them for your portfolio. |
 Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) |
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www.cboe.com
FREE
Where to Find:
Educational areas and tools are accessed through tabs running across top of home page.
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The world's largest options exchange; their site is one of the most comprehensive. Delayed quotes are provided free. Useful tools include paperTRADE, which allows you to track a paper-money options portfolio, and margin and volatility calculators. A new tool has been added called TradeBuilder with Trade Analyzer, which helps you rank different option strategies by their expected profit/loss or probability of making any profit, and graphs their risk-return opportunity under various market scenarios. Also offers sections for trading resources and strategies that investors can use to familiarize themselves with options and futures investing. Extensive education section provides seminars, online courses, webcasts, market commentary, educational tools, online tutorials and quick facts. Numerous tools are available for individual investors. Some areas require site registration.
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| Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) |
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www.cftc.gov
FREE
Where to Find:
Click on Consumer Protection for fraud and education sections.
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Government-commissioned organization aimed at ensuring the integrity of the futures and options market. Site offers market reports including financial data, economic analysis and a monthly summary of the futures market. It is a source of education, with a section providing fraud awareness and prevention. The website allows you to file complaints and report suspicious activities, while providing case status reports, disciplinary history and an education center. Also presents information on industry oversight, laws and regulations. Recent press releases are linked on the main page, as is a listing of recent events.
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| Options Industry Council |
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www.optionseducation.org
FREE
Where to Find:
Use tabs running across top of page to access major areas. The OIC Education tab takes you to the directed learning center.
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New URL, but site remains the same. Provides online classes, webcasts, a virtual trading system, seminars and audio and video podcasts designed to educate investors on options and futures. Presents basic and advanced information, from explaining what options are to breaking down the Black-Scholes model. Education resources are comprehensive and include webcasts and podcasts for numerous educational topics. Also offers information on various options and futures trading strategies. Provides a bevy of tools such as options, collar and covered call calculators. Delayed quotes are accessed by entering the appropriate symbol. Extensive market data and free email alerts are available. Also offers free DVD and brochures and literature.
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