In this episode, I’m walking through an SPX Iron Condor setup I’m pricing out as volatility continues to rise and the market dips below key moving averages.

Here's the link the video version: https://youtu.be/0NAAbb6bbcI

When volatility spikes, option premiums expand — and that’s when I like to sell Iron Condors on SPX for wider ranges and better credits. I’ll break down:

✅ How I’m positioning this Iron Condor between recent highs and lows

✅ Entry criteria and credit received (~$3.25 on 10-wide wings)

✅ How to calculate max p...

In this episode, Brian shares his LEAP call strategy — a flexible options approach that uses long-dated calls as a stock substitute while selling weekly calls for steady income. He breaks down real trade examples on NVIDIA, Google, and other names, showing how the strategy can generate solid returns with less capital than owning shares outright.

You’ll hear how Brian manages exits, adjusts when short calls get breached, and keeps risk in check even when the market moves against him.

👉 Follow Brian over at stockmarketoptionstrading.net

💬 You can also g...

In this episode, Eric and Brian kick off the week with a look at the SPX options market, recent price action, and key gamma levels heading into FOMC week. Eric recaps his recent put credit spread trades from Alpha Crunching, discusses how he’s managing new positions into record highs, and explains how he’s balancing bullish exposure with call credit spreads and discretionary hedges. The conversation also covers upcoming events—including major tech earnings from Apple, Microsoft, and Google—and how they might influence market sentiment.

Brian shares a practical example of a LEAPS diagonal trade on AVGO...

In this episode, Brian breaks down a bullish put diagonal strategy he’s been testing on individual stocks — a twist on the traditional diagonal that behaves more like a cash-secured put with built-in protection. He explains how he buys a longer-dated put and sells weekly puts against it to steadily collect premium, manage risk, and generate consistent returns.

You’ll hear examples from trades in Google, AMAT, and Bank of America, plus how he handles adjustments when prices move.

👉 Join us for the next live Zoom or meetup at StockMarketOptionTrading.net to see more strategies like this...

👉 Join us live every Monday at StockMarketOptionsTrading.net to be part of the next Zoom call and get your questions answered in real time.

📈 Market Recap & Trading Lessons:

🚀 Big rebound after last week’s 200-point SPX drop — market shakes off China tariff and shutdown worries

🍏 Apple headlines and possible government deal spark optimism

📊 Moving averages still recovering — 5-day hasn’t crossed back above 10-day yet

🧠 Eric explains how one huge candle can distort technical indicators short-term

💰 Shows an Iron Condor entered during the volatility spike — wide wings, 25% profit target

⚡ Volatilit...

🎯 Get 50% off AlphaCrunching.com with code SPX50 — your edge for data-driven SPX option strategies.

In this episode, Eric O’Rourke breaks down what happens when an uptrend breaks — and how traders can stay grounded when volatility spikes. He covers the recent tariff shock, key SPX levels to watch (6650–6800), and why the market’s recovery above the volume trigger could signal renewed bullish momentum.

Eric also discusses risk management in trend-following strategies, explains how short-term setbacks fit within high-win-rate systems, and shares insights from the latest Alpha Crunching forecast showing a cautious but stabilizing market outlook.

Want to...

In this episode of the Stock Market Options Trading Podcast, Eric dives into the concept of expectancy—a key metric that blends win rate, average win size, and average loss size into one number that helps traders understand whether a strategy has a real edge over the long run.

We break down why a high win rate alone doesn’t guarantee profits (think 98% win rate ads…), and how expectancy provides better context by showing how much you can expect to make or lose per trade on average. Eric also shares updates inside Alpha Crunching: the Trade Ideas tab no...

This episode centers on navigating markets at all-time highs after last week’s FOMC head-fake. We discuss how to balance staying long with reducing risk, trimming SPX put-credit spreads, and the trade-offs of skipping entries during volatile weeks.

Brian joins to walk through his weekend watchlist and three core income strategies: in-the-money covered calls, poor man’s covered calls (diagonals), and broken-wing butterflies—including how he manages risk, targets returns, and selects trades. We also cover SPY covered calls vs. selling puts, an update on Intel’s surprise breakout, and practical ways to use mechanical strategies like Alpha Cr...

Join us for another live session of the Stock Market Options Trading Podcast with Eric and co-host Brian as we dive into trading SPY options. We start by comparing SPY vs SPX — looking at the key differences in contract size, settlement style, tax treatment, and liquidity.

Brian also shares details on his Delta Neutral “double diagonal” strategy with SPY, walking through trade setups, adjustments, and lessons learned from managing the position. We cover how rolling strikes works, how IV impacts results, and why this approach may fit best in lower-volatility environments.

Eric wraps up by discus...

🎁 50% OFF: Option Omega (code SMOT) • Alpha Crunching (code SPX50) — grab both and build + automate your SPX playbook.

This episode is a fun, nerdy deep-dive with Troy and Matt from Option Omega. We cover how to build realistic backtests for options (especially 0DTE) and when it makes sense to automate entries/exits so you’re not chained to the screen. We also walk through a few trade structures—including the much-misunderstood Reverse Iron Condor (RIC)—and talk about portfolio-level thinking: position sizing, diversification across edges, and why “one-lotting” more often than not can save your sanity.

What we cover:

This Week in Options Trading with Eric & Brian 🎙️📈

In this episode, Eric and Brian recap a volatile week in the markets, share updates on recent SPX trades, and walk through trade setups they’re watching. Topics include:

Welcome to the first segment on the show of This Week in Options Trading with Eric O’Rourke and Brian Terry! We’ll be going live every Monday at 12pm ET to share option strategies, market setups, and answer community questions in real time.

👉 To RSVP for future live sessions: https://stockmarketoptionstrading.net/events

In this kickoff episode, Eric walks through the Monday 7DTE Put Credit Spread strategy powered by Alpha Crunching’s Weekly Triumph Rate (WTR). He compares backtest results of holding to expiration versus taking early profits and shows why risk/reward balance is key fo...

In this week's episode, we cover the major economic reports and catalysts driving the markets and what caused the current break in the uptrend.

🎥 Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the latest YouTube video where Eric explains how the ASD indicator from Alpha Crunching helps spot slowing momentum and potential SPX trend reversals — before they happen.

📺 Watch here: https://youtu.be/H48aAu4WxBA

💡 Get 50% off your first year at AlphaCrunching.com

🎧 Episode Description – SPX 0DTE Risk-Free Profit Forest

In this episode, Eric breaks down a risk-free SPX trade using the “Profit Forest” approach—where the focus is on locking in gains and building multiple profit zones on the risk graph, rather than chasing max reward with max risk.

📺 Watch the full video version of this trade on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ONQCRfjrMZ0

📹 Also check out these related videos on risk-free 0DTE setups:

SPX Market Outlook, FOMC Setup & This Week’s Trade Ideas"

In this episode of the Stock Market Options Trading Podcast, Eric breaks down the current SPX market setup heading into a big week of economic events, including Wednesday’s FOMC meeting. After last Friday’s selloff, the market rallied hard on Monday—highlighting the continued volatility.

Eric recaps last week’s inflation data (CPI, PPI), stronger-than-expected consumer sentiment, and why these may give the Fed room to ease up. He also walks through this week’s AlphaCrunching forecast, revealing a potential shift toward late-week weakness and how that...

The S&P 500 is closing in on all-time highs, but is momentum starting to fade? In this episode, Eric O’Rourke breaks down the key SPX levels to watch, including major option walls, falling volatility, and upcoming economic events like CPI and PPI that could shake things up.

You'll also get a look at this week’s Alpha Crunching trade ideas and market forecast, plus how Eric is managing a mix of put and call credit spreads to stay balanced as the uptrend continues.

🔹 Get 50% off Alpha Crunching tools with code SPX50 at AlphaCrunching.com

🔹...

In this episode, I’m joined by longtime trader and retiree Brian Terry to talk about the realities of trading in retirement. We cover how trading can keep your mind sharp, add structure to your day, and become a fulfilling part-time income stream. Brian also shares practical tips for managing risk, avoiding overtrading, and staying consistent—especially when you’re no longer working a 9–5.

👉 Come join the free community at StockMarketOptionsTrading.net where Brian and I hang out and discuss trades in real time. You’ll also find on-demand courses and our private trading group where we post trade al...

In this week’s episode of the Stock Market Options Trading Podcast, Eric recaps last week’s pullback in SPX, driven by fresh EU tariff headlines, and how the forecast data from Alpha Crunching has responded. He highlights the shift in market tone based on the Average Strength Deviation (ASD) metric, which has now gone negative — a potential warning sign for deeper weakness ahead.

👉 You can access the Average Strength Deviation (ASD) indicator and all Alpha Crunching forecast tools at https://AlphaCrunching.com — use code SPX50 for 50% off your first plan.

Eric also walks through a potential...

This week on the Stock Market Options Trading Podcast, I'm joined by fellow trader Brian Terry as we break down the market’s reaction to the Moody’s U.S. credit downgrade, recent economic data, and the relentless uptrend in the S&P 500. We dive into current market sentiment, the Fed’s role this week, and a few trade setups we’re watching closely—including a bullish broken wing butterfly on DASH and a 7-day SPX put credit spread from the AlphaCrunching.com trade ideas tab.

We also touch on using tools like SpotGamma levels, Truflation, and how we're...

📈 Volatility, Indicators, and the SPX Weekly Forecast | Episode 151

In this episode of the Stock Market Options Trading Podcast, I cover how volatile price action can distort technical indicators—and what that means for traders. Using Alpha Crunching’s SPX Weekly Forecast as an example, we look at how past outlier moves (like the recent tariff news spike) are dropping out of the data and shifting indicator readings.

I also walk through:

📈 First Video Podcast, SPX Forecast After 9-Day Rally, Iron Condor Adjustments & Market Forecasts

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/Pk22BcCBfn0

Welcome to episode 150 of the Stock Market Options Trading Podcast! 🎉

This week’s special episode marks our very first video podcast — now available on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms like Apple and Spotify. If you're watching on YouTube, don’t forget there are 149 audio-only episodes full of SPX options strategies, technical analysis, and educational content.

In this episode, Eric breaks down:

🔴 Why he’s wearing a red shirt (hint...

Welcome back to the Stock Market Options Trading Podcast! I'm your host, Eric O'Rourke, and in this episode I break down the latest market action, key technical levels, and how I’m trading SPX options during this volatile stretch.

📉 This week, the S&P500 dropped over 2% to start the week as uncertainty around tariffs continues to dominate headlines. I talk through how I’m navigating the range-bound market with iron condors and why I'm keeping trades short and wide.

📊 I also share insights from Alpha Crunching’s Weekly Triumph Rate (WTR), which remains below 50% across the board —...

In this episode, Eric recaps last week's wild ride in the S&P 500, driven by tariff headlines, a surprise 90-day pause, and a sharp oversold rally. He covers key economic data—including CPI, PPI, and sentiment numbers—and why they paint a mixed inflation picture.

Eric also shares the latest SPX levels he's watching, how he's positioning with an iron condor, and what Alpha Crunching's updated weekly forecast reveals about the current choppy trend. This is still a headline-driven market, and patience remains key.

Want to connect? Find me on X:

Eric O'Rourke: http...

In this episode, Eric discusses the sharp market selloff following the surprise "Liberation Day" announcement, ongoing tariff drama, and how global markets are reacting. He breaks down key SPX levels to watch (4900, 5000, 5100), headline-driven price action, and what the Fed’s emergency closed-door meeting might mean for traders. Eric also revisits a simple bear market hedge from a previous episode, explains why he's currently sitting in cash, and shares what he's watching for potential long-term buys. It’s a fast-moving week—stay nimble and patient.

Want to connect? Find me on X:

Eric O'Rourke: https://twitter.com/Op...

In this episode of the Stock Market Options Trading podcast, Eric welcomes back guest Brian Terry to discuss navigating the current choppy and volatile market. They cover the recent 10% correction in the S&P 500, key economic events for the week (including reciprocal tariffs and Powell’s upcoming comments), and how market levels like the 200-day moving average are influencing trading sentiment.

Brian shares how he's using in-the-money covered calls to generate income with downside protection, even during pullbacks. They dive into sector rotation—highlighting strong performers like gold (GLD), utilities, and dividend stocks—and explain the mechanics behind...

In this episode, Eric recaps the latest market action as the S&P 500 breaks back above the 200-day moving average following a strong Monday rally. He covers key levels from SpotGamma.com, including updated put and call walls, and discusses this week’s major economic events like GDP, Core PCE, and Consumer Sentiment.

Eric also shares a few SPX trade setups from Alpha Crunching, including a bullish 7-day put credit spread using the Weekly Triumph Rate, and explains how he's navigating recent market volatility by staying mechanical.

Use code SPX50 for 50% off your first month at...

📢 Read the full blog post with charts and performance data:

https://www.alphacrunching.com/blog/bear-market-hedging-strategy

Summary:

In this episode of the Stock Market Options Trading Podcast, we break down a bear market hedging strategy that just triggered given the current market conditions.

Right now, SPX is down about 10%—a textbook correction—but it’s also trading below the 200-day moving average, which we’re using as a key reference point for this strategy. While some traders debate whether this qualifies as a bear market, the real focus is on objective, rule-based...

In this episode of Stock Market Options Trading, host Eric O'Rourke recaps a wild week for the S&P 500, including a sharp sell-off, extreme volatility, and a bounce off key support near SPX 5800. 📉📈

🔎 Key Topics Covered:

✅ SPX range update: 5800-6200 🎯

✅ Bullish trades not triggering and why patience pays

✅ How Eric used iron condors to trade the chop ⚙️

✅ Why the Fed’s rate cut timeline is shifting 📅

✅ Key events this week: PMI, jobless claims, NFP, and Powell speaking 💼💬

💡 Pro Tip: When markets get wild, risk/reward matters more than ever—and Eric explains...

In this episode of Stock Market Option Trading, host Eric O'Rourke breaks down last week's failed SPX breakout and the sharp sell-off on Friday 📉. He recaps key economic events, including FOMC minutes 🏦, jobless claims 📊, and PMI data 📉, and discusses what to watch for this week, such as GDP 📈, jobless claims 💼, and core PCE 💵.

🔥 Options Flow Insights: Eric dives into recent bearish options activity, key market levels, and how Alpha Crunching's trade setups are adjusting to the current conditions.

🚀 Trading Automation Update: Exciting news! Eric shares details on a new automation tool 🤖 he's testing to streamline mechanical trading strategies—...

Click Here for the SPX Income Masterclass discussed in this week's episode.

In this episode of the Stock Market Option Trading podcast, host Eric O’Rourke dives into the key differences between bull call spreads and bull put spreads, breaking down their mechanics, risk-reward profiles, and how to manage them effectively.

Eric explains why bull call spreads, which are debit trades, require a directional move to profit, while bull put spreads, as credit trades, can benefit from time decay. He also discusses strike selection, risk-reward considerations, and win rates, helping traders determine which strategy aligns be...

For the week of February 10, 2025, SPX will likely be driven but Powell's testimony along with core CPI and Core PPI inflation reports.

Mentioned in this episode is trade idea for Tuesday.

Here's the link: https://www.alphacrunching.com/blog/7dte-put-credit-spread-strategy-for-spx-weekly-options

Get more S&P500 insights at https://www.AlphaCrunching.com/blog

Join me next week as we navigate the stock market focusing on the S&P500.

Want to connect? Find me on X:

Eric O'Rourke: https://twitter.com/OptionAssassin

After that, join other listeners at...

Another bearish Monday on the back of Tariff announcements out of Washington. The market continues to hold up relatively well given these week over week news events. Last week it was AI news out of China and now tariff talk.

Get more S&P500 insights at https://www.AlphaCrunching.com/blog

Economic events, options positioning, and technical indicators to get your ready for the week.

Join me next week as we navigate the stock market focusing on the S&P500.

Want to connect? Find me on X:

Eric O'Rourke...

Markets dropping hard today on the back of the DeepSeek AI company out of China which has achieved notable results using much less compute and resources that we've seen over the past year or so. NVDA down over 10% on this news and dragging the market down with it.

Get more S&P500 insights at https://www.AlphaCrunching.com/blog

Economic events, options positioning, and technical indicators to get your ready for the week.

Join me next week as we navigate the stock market focusing on the S&P500.

Want to connect...

In this episode, we explore a SPY call-buying strategy with a 53% win rate and a 2:1 risk-reward ratio. This strategy, built on data and technical analysis, is designed for consistent execution and measurable results.

The audio for this show is from a recent YouTube video.

Here's the link if you interested in the video version: https://youtu.be/eTLqr8TWstA

Blog Post: https://www.alphacrunching.com/blog/buying-spy-call-options

SPY Call Buying Video Course: https://www.stockmarketoptionstrading.net/spaces/17635818

Key Strategy Highlights:

Position Sizing: The overlooked key to options trading success.

I had a great discussion with John Einar from ThetaProfits.com where discussed one of the most overlooked aspects of trading which is positions sizing.

Check the full episode here: https://www.thetaprofits.com/position-sizing-the-overlooked-key-to-options-trading-success/

Watch the interview on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev-OyVE3heg

Want to connect? Find me on X:

Eric O'Rourke: https://twitter.com/OptionAssassin

After that, join other listeners at https://StockMarketOptionsTrading.net and join the community for free right...

Get more S&P500 insights at https://www.AlphaCrunching.com/blog

Economic events, options positioning, and technical indicators to get your ready for the week.

Join me next week as we navigate the stock market focusing on the S&P500.

Want to connect? Find me on X:

Eric O'Rourke: https://twitter.com/OptionAssassin

After that, join other listeners at https://StockMarketOptionsTrading.net and join the community for free right now where there are daily posts with clues to the where the market may be headed next.

Also...

Get more S&P500 insights at https://www.AlphaCrunching.com/blog

Economic events, options positioning, and technical indicators to get your ready for the week.

Join me next week as we navigate the stock market focusing on the S&P500.

Want to connect? Find me on X:

Eric O'Rourke: https://twitter.com/OptionAssassin

After that, join other listeners at https://StockMarketOptionsTrading.net and join the community for free right now where there are daily posts with clues to the where the market may be headed next.

Also...

10 Major Differences Between SPY and SPX Options

SPY and SPX give you exposure to the S&P 500, but these options have key differences you should know before getting started.

Paying Dividends

SPX does not pay a dividend, but SPY does. Dividends may not seem relevant because someone buying options does not own shares. You only receive the dividend if you own the shares before the ex-dividend date.

But the dividend is relevant for options traders. Some traders may exercise SPY options early to be on time for the dividend. An ex-dividend al...

In this special Thanksgiving episode of the SMOT podcast, I want to take a moment to say thank you for being a dedicated listener. Wishing you and your family the very best this holiday season!

Today, we’re diving into a case study on options position sizing. I recently posted a video on YouTube where I compared the same trading strategy across different account sizes and allocations to see how position sizing can dramatically impact performance. In this episode, you’ll hear the audio from that video.

Here's the link: https://youtu.be/ThDgXklMG40

If...

In this episode, we'll cover some thoughts at what to think about the market here has we're hitting new all time highs post US Election. We've got several key economic reports coming this week too around inflation and the labor market.

Want to connect? Find me on LinkedIn or X:

Eric O'Rourke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jericorourke/

Eric O'Rourke: https://twitter.com/OptionAssassin

After that, join other listeners at https://StockMarketOptionsTrading.net and join the community for free right now where there are daily posts with clues to the where...