- 2000: Volume 9, No. 2

The concept of index trading is not new, yet confusion abounds as to what, exactly, an index represents and how it can be traded. In this issue we examine indexes from several perspectives.

Susan Abbot Gidel kicks things off with a look at how the weight and composition of an index can affect its performance. Frederic Ruffy reveals how to use the performance of indexes representing major market sectors to assess the performance of the market as a whole. Kevin Riordan checks in with his analysis of the efficient market theory. Candice Bowman describes the ISDEX®, long used to measure the performance of the Internet sector, and the debut of futures and options trading on that index. Finally, Raymond Murphy discusses the venerable CRB Index, its composition and its uses.

On other subjects, Adrienne Toghraie describes the not uncommon practice of "Failing Your Way to Success." And our regular departments offer more insight into the markets. Bob Ecob fills you in on What's Hot and What's Not, Brad Zigler examines index options, Mike Kahn talks about continuation patterns in the Chartist Corner, and Jaye Abbate reviews The Trader's Tax Solution: Saving Strategies for the Serious Investor.

Our May/June issue will revisit the topic of Online Trading... a subject that will significantly impact upon your trading future.

Dr. Index Arrives Next Issue

Brad Zigler is no stranger to regular readers of the CRB Trader. For more than a year he has been offering options advice and strategies as the author of the Puts & Calls department. He will, however, be tackling a new role beginning with the May/June issue as he takes on the persona of "Dr. Index."

This new department is designed to answer your questions on trading indexes and exchange traded funds and expand your arsenal of trading tools.