Options As A Strategic Investment Lawrence G. Mcmillan =link= ❲Mobile❳
For many traders, the concept of the Greeks is abstract. McMillan operationalizes them. For instance, he explains how a trader can be correct about the direction of a stock but still lose money on a call option because of (time decay) and a drop in Vega (implied volatility). This understanding transforms a trader from a gambler into a risk manager.
McMillan emphasizes a disciplined, model-based approach to trading. Before entering any position, he advises traders to:
McMillan’s core philosophy is that options are not merely speculative tools but strategic instruments that, when used correctly, can manage risk and enhance returns in any market environment. options as a strategic investment lawrence g. mcmillan
Lawrence G. McMillan is a well-known author, investor, and options trading expert. He has written several books on options trading, including "Options as a Strategic Investment" and "The Options Course." McMillan is also the president of The Option Strategist, a registered investment advisor that provides options trading advice and research.
The book’s longevity is a testament to its utility. It is a standard text in trading education programs and is often cited by professional market makers and retail traders alike. For many traders, the concept of the Greeks is abstract
Perhaps McMillan’s most significant contribution to the literature is his focus on volatility. He differentiates between historical volatility and implied volatility. He teaches traders to view implied volatility as "expensive" or "cheap," advocating for buying options when volatility is low (options are cheap) and selling them when volatility is high (options are expensive). This contrarian approach to volatility is a cornerstone of his strategic methodology.
McMillan also covers more advanced strategies, including: This understanding transforms a trader from a gambler
McMillan's book covers several key concepts that are essential for understanding options trading, including:
The title itself— Options as a Strategic Investment —signals McMillan’s primary thesis. He does not treat options merely as high-stakes gambling instruments or simple leverage tools. Instead, he views options as a mechanism for and strategic portfolio management.
"Options as a Strategic Investment" by Lawrence G. McMillan is a comprehensive guide to options trading that covers the fundamental principles, strategies, and applications of options. The book provides a detailed overview of options trading, including key concepts, strategies, and risk management techniques. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced investor, McMillan's book offers valuable insights and practical advice for using options as a strategic investment tool.
In the pantheon of financial literature, few books achieve the status of a "bible." Lawrence G. McMillan’s Options as a Strategic Investment is one such text. First published in 1980 and now in its fifth edition, this encyclopedic work has educated generations of traders by shifting the paradigm: options are not merely speculative lottery tickets, nor are they exclusively for institutional hedgers. Instead, McMillan argues, they are for managing risk, generating income, and exploiting market volatility. This essay covers the foundational philosophy of McMillan’s work, its practical strategic framework, and why it remains the definitive guide for the modern options trader.

