Stock Market Options Trading

Eric O'Rourke
  • 4.7 (301)
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The Stock Market Options Trading Podcast is hosted by Eric O’Rourke, founder of https://AlphaCrunching.com, where a growing community of traders focus on short-duration SPX options strategies using a data-driven approach. Join our podcast community over at https://www.stockmarketoptionstrading.net to improve your stock and options trading skills. Check out the SMOT YouTube channel for quantitative options strategies and education here: https://www.youtube.com/stockmarketoptionstrading For the Conservative Options Income Network run by Brian Terry: https://www.stockmarketoptionstrading.net/spaces/12282222

  1. 186: This Week in Options Trading - Market at Highs… Now What?

    18H AGO

    186: This Week in Options Trading - Market at Highs… Now What?

    👉 Alpha Crunching (SPX data, trade ideas & alerts): https://alphacrunching.com 👉 Conservative Options Income Network (Brian Terry): https://stockmarketoptionstrading.net In this episode, Eric sits down with returning guest Brian Terry from the Conservative Options Income Network to break down what’s shaping up to be another interesting week in the market. With the S&P pushing toward new highs—even with ongoing geopolitical headlines in the background—we talk through what that actually means for traders right now and how we’re positioning around it. We cover: Why this market still feels “underinvested” for a lot of tradersBrian’s recent synthetic stock trade and how he’s using options for leverageEric’s latest SPX credit spread setups and managing risk into the weekendThe impact of volatility, gaps, and why sometimes not trading is the best tradeThoughts on the potential removal of the PDT rule and what it could mean for 0DTE tradersBalancing short-term trades with longer-term positioning in a fast-moving market As always, this is a real-time conversation about what we’re actually seeing and trading—no hindsight, just process.

    25 min

  2. APR 28

    185: Inside My SPX Strategy with Option Omega

    Watch the full video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/2RgGjxUe35w?si=m1BU5TwEq973he2k Links & Discounts: Option Omega → https://optionomega.com (Use code SMOT for a discount)Alpha Crunching → https://alphacrunching.com (Use code SPX50 for 50% off your first year) In this episode, I sit down with Matt from Option Omega to break down how I’m using their platform to backtest and execute strategies from Alpha Crunching—with a focus on the Trend Spread Engine (TSE). We dig into the core problem many traders are facing right now: what should I actually be trading in this market? With volatility shifting, trends changing, and many swing strategies not triggering, the goal is to find something repeatable that can be traded consistently. That’s where the Trend Spread Engine comes in. We walk through: Why high-probability spreads alone don’t create an edgeHow intraday time-of-day + trend + strike selection changes outcomesThe idea of tracking trades every 15 minutes to uncover intraday seasonalityUsing a rolling 90-day dataset to adapt to changing market conditionsHow I turn that data into actual trades using Option Omega We also get into real examples of how certain time slots (like 10:30am vs 11:30am) rotate in and out of effectiveness—and how that impacts execution week to week. If you’re trading SPX options—or trying to build a more mechanical, data-driven approach—this is a great behind-the-scenes look at how I’m thinking about strategy development right now.

    32 min
  3. 184: This Week in the SP500: Market Holding Strong Near Highs

    APR 20

    184: This Week in the SP500: Market Holding Strong Near Highs

    In this episode, Eric and Brian Terry break down a market that just won’t quit—despite geopolitical tension, rising oil, and a packed economic calendar. With the S&P 500 hovering near all-time highs, the conversation dives into positioning, risk management, and where the real opportunities might be right now. 🔗 Useful Links (Start Here)🌐 Alpha Crunching: https://alphacrunching.com🎧 Stock Market Options Trading Podcast: https://stockmarketoptionstrading.net💬 Join the Discord Community: (included with Alpha Crunching subscription)📊 Weekly TSE Report & Trade Setups: Available inside Alpha Crunching 📈 Episode BreakdownThis week’s discussion centers around a tricky market environment—strong momentum on the surface, but plenty of uncertainty underneath. The market rallied over 4% last week and continues to hold near highs, even with rising oil and geopolitical concernsKey events this week include retail sales, PMI data, and a major appearance from the incoming Fed ChairDespite potential volatility, the market continues to show resilience, with dips getting bought quickly Eric shares how he’s navigating this environment: Sitting on higher cash levels after covered calls were assignedLooking for pullbacks to re-enter long positions or potentially deploy collar strategiesIncreasing focus on SPX 0DTE trades for short-term opportunities with defined risk Brian walks through a practical hedge idea using a broken wing butterfly on QQQ, highlighting: Favorable risk/reward structureAbility to profit even in downside scenariosA flexible way to hedge without tying up large capital ⚡ Key TakeawaysShort-term uncertainty, long-term bullish tone continues to define the marketMany traders are holding cash, which could fuel continued dip-buying0DTE trading is gaining traction, especially with potential changes to PDT rules making it more accessibleGamma levels and options positioning suggest possible resistance near current levels, but nothing is guaranteed 📊 Strategy FocusEric discusses leaning more into: Mechanical 0DTE credit spreads using the Trend Spread Engine (TSE)Staying active even when swing strategies aren’t triggeringUsing data-driven timing, trend, and strike selection to find edge intraday 🎧 Listen OnAvailable on: Apple PodcastsSpotifyAnd all major podcast platforms If you’re looking to stay active in this kind of market, this episode is a solid mix of macro perspective and actionable strategy ideas.

    21 min
  4. 183: This Week in Options Trading: Back Above 6900—Now What?

    APR 14

    183: This Week in Options Trading: Back Above 6900—Now What?

    🔗 Links & Resources 👉 Alpha Crunching (SPX Options): https://alphacrunching.com 👉 Brian Terry’s COIN Group: https://www.stockmarketoptionstrading.net 👉 Podcast Episodes: https://www.stockmarketoptionstrading.com 👉Latest YouTube video: https://youtu.be/qe_F_GE5Pqo In this episode, Eric O’Rourke and Brian Terry break down a wild stretch in the S&P 500, with the market ripping higher despite ongoing macro uncertainty and headline-driven volatility. They dig into what’s actually driving the move, why traditional indicators like the 200-day moving average aren’t carrying the same weight, and how traders can navigate a market that’s shifting quickly between fear and momentum. You’ll also hear insights on: Why this rally may be more about positioning than fundamentalsThe role of contrarian indicators like the put/call ratio and fear indexHow short-term options traders are adapting in this environmentReal trade examples and how risk/reward is being managed right now If you’re trading SPX options or just trying to make sense of this market, this episode gives you a grounded, real-time perspective from two active traders. Trading is better when you’re not going it alone—plug into the communities above to stay connected and keep improving.

    21 min

  5. APR 3

    182: 3 Reasons the Stock Market May Have Bottomed

    In this episode of the Stock Market Options Trading podcast, host Eric O'Rourke breaks down three key reasons why a potential short-term bottom may be forming in the market. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and recent volatility, Eric walks through the signals that suggest the market may be stabilizing—and possibly preparing for a move higher. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why dip buyers stepping in during negative news could signal strengthWhat the recent drop in the VIX tells us about market sentimentHow stronger-than-expected economic data is influencing market directionWhy the market may already be looking past current headlinesHow short-term traders can think about longer-term market positioning Eric also shares an important perspective on how the stock market tends to look months ahead—something many short-term traders often overlook. Whether you're trading SPX options or just trying to understand current market conditions, this episode offers a practical, data-driven view of what might come next. 🔗 Resources & Links: Alpha Crunching (SPX trading tools, data, and community): https://alphacrunching.comStock Market Options Trading: https://www.stockmarketoptionstrading.net About the Host: Eric O’Rourke is the founder of Alpha Crunching, a growing community focused on data-driven SPX options trading strategies. Through research, backtesting, and real-time tools, Alpha Crunching helps traders identify high-probability opportunities in short-duration trades.

    7 min
  6. 181: This Week In Options Trading: What's Working Right Now

    MAR 30

    181: This Week In Options Trading: What's Working Right Now

    Brian Terry’s Conservative Options Income Group: https://www.stockmarketoptionstrading.net Eric O’Rourke’s SPX Trading Community: https://www.alphacrunching.com Trading in a community gives you perspective, shared ideas, and support—far better than trying to figure it all out on your own. In this episode, Eric O’Rourke is joined by Brian Terry to break down how they’re navigating a highly volatile, headline-driven market. With uncertainty tied to global events and sharp intraday reversals, both emphasize that sometimes the best trade is no trade at all—and that sitting in cash can be a strategic edge. Brian shares how he’s staying active by focusing on strength in the energy sector, using diagonal call strategies and poor man’s covered calls on oil-related stocks showing relative strength. Rather than changing strategy structures, he explains how simply rotating into stronger sectors can maintain a bullish or neutral approach even in a weak market. Eric contrasts this with his SPX-focused approach, where many bullish credit spread strategies are no longer triggering. He discusses why “flipping” strategies (e.g., turning put spreads into call spreads) doesn’t always work, based on backtesting results. Instead, he’s adapting through shorter-duration trades, including 0DTE trend-based spreads, while being more selective—especially on volatile gap days. Check this Video: https://youtu.be/WLNR_5wf6YI They also dive into: The impact of extreme intraday reversals on short-term tradingWhy timing (like the 10:30am window) can improve probabilitiesAdjusting position sizing and exposure during uncertain conditionsUsing moving averages (like the 100 and 200-day) to manage longer-term portfoliosThe challenge of knowing when to re-enter after going to cash The episode wraps with a key reminder: markets like this require flexibility, patience, and discipline. You don’t need to force trades—wait for conditions to improve and protect capital so you’re ready when opportunities return.

    20 min

  7. MAR 25

    180: Trading Wide Iron Condors in High Volatility (with Brian Terry)

    In this episode, Eric O’Rourke is joined by Brian Terry from the Conservative Options Income Network (COIN) to break down a recent SPX iron condor trade that caught attention for its unusually wide structure. With volatility elevated and market conditions shifting, Brian walks through how he constructed a 7-day iron condor nearly 600 points wide—while still keeping defined risk and a high probability of success. The discussion covers how iron condors work, why wider strikes can make sense in high VIX environments, and how to think about risk, adjustments, and profit targets. They also dive into: Why Brian targets ~50% profit and exits earlyHow to manage trades when one side gets challengedThe pros and cons of rolling vs. closing one sideUsing iron condors as a “campaign” strategy in volatile marketsThe role of discretion vs. systematic trading Eric also shares how this type of neutral strategy can complement Alpha Crunching systems, especially when bullish setups are paused during bearish market conditions. If you’ve ever wondered how to trade iron condors in volatile markets—or how to stay active when directional strategies aren’t triggering—this episode is packed with practical insights. 👉 Learn more about Alpha Crunching and join the community: https://alphacrunching.com 👉 Check out Brian’s COIN alerts: https://stockmarketoptiontrading.net

    17 min
  8. 179: How To Make $100 Per Day Selling Options

    MAR 19

    179: How To Make $100 Per Day Selling Options

    Want to trade SPX 0DTE with a proven system instead of guessing? Alpha Crunching gives you the tools, alerts, and community to do it. 👉 Try it today and take 50% off with code SPX50 at AlphaCrunching.com In this episode, Eric O’Rourke breaks down a practical question many options traders ask: what does it actually take to make $100 per day selling options? Using real SPX credit spread examples, Eric walks through different ways traders approach profit targets—from letting spreads expire worthless to taking profits early—and why focusing only on percentage returns (like 50%) can be misleading. He explains how spread width, contract sizing, commissions, and capital requirements all play a role in reaching consistent daily income goals. You’ll hear the trade-offs between: Selling narrower vs. wider spreadsTaking profits early vs. holding to expirationIncreasing contracts vs. increasing risk per tradeMoving further out of the money for higher probability setups Eric also shares how he’s been adjusting his own approach, including using wider spreads and targeting fixed dollar profits per trade, along with how tools like the Trend Spread Engine (TSE) fit into decision-making. If you're looking to better understand the mechanics behind generating consistent income with SPX credit spreads—without overcomplicating the strategy—this episode lays out the key concepts. 👉 Learn more and explore strategies at AlphaCrunching.com Join a growing community of SPX traders using data-driven tools and real-time alerts.

    7 min
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4.7
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301 Ratings

About

The Stock Market Options Trading Podcast is hosted by Eric O’Rourke, founder of https://AlphaCrunching.com, where a growing community of traders focus on short-duration SPX options strategies using a data-driven approach. Join our podcast community over at https://www.stockmarketoptionstrading.net to improve your stock and options trading skills. Check out the SMOT YouTube channel for quantitative options strategies and education here: https://www.youtube.com/stockmarketoptionstrading For the Conservative Options Income Network run by Brian Terry: https://www.stockmarketoptionstrading.net/spaces/12282222

Information

  • Creator
    Eric O'Rourke
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    186
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Eric O'Rourke
  • Show Website
    Stock Market Options Trading

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