Stock Market Options Trading

Hosted by Eric O'Rourke

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189

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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

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June 12, 202613 min

189: The Truth About Win Rate and Risk Reward (Part 2)

In this episode, Eric continues the Automated Strategy Pipeline series by tackling one of the most misunderstood topics in trading: win rate.Many traders evaluate a strategy based on a single number: the percentage of winning trades. But a high win rate alone doesn't tell you whether a strategy is profitable, scalable, or even worth trading.Using real examples from his own SPX trading portfolio, Eric explains why win rate, average win, average loss, expectancy, and risk reward all work together to determine a strategy's long-term performance.Topics discussed include:• Why win rate by itself can be misleading• The relationship between win rate, average win, and average loss• Why a 30% win rate strategy can still have positive expectancy• The differences between credit spreads and debit spreads• How combining strategies with different risk/reward profiles may smooth portfolio returns• The role of trade frequency in systematic trading• Why automation makes it easier to consistently execute multiple strategies• How Alpha Crunching's new EOD Put Debit Spread complements the existing TSE 0DTE Credit Spread strategyEric also discusses how he is building a portfolio of automated SPX strategies designed to work together rather than relying on a single edge or market environment.Alpha Crunching:https://www.alphacrunching.com

June 4, 202615 min

188: Building An Automated Strategy Pipeline (Part 1)

🚀 Join Alpha Crunching and save 50% on your first year:https://www.alphacrunching.comGet weekly SPX forecasts, backtested trade ideas, trade alerts, Discord access, and research designed to help you trade with more confidence.In Episode 188, we're kicking off a new series on strategy research, development, testing, automation, and the mindset required to trade systematic strategies successfully.Many traders spend all their time looking for the next great trade. But what happens after you find an edge?In this episode, Eric discusses the concept of building an automated strategy pipeline and why finding a profitable strategy is only the beginning. You'll learn why markets constantly evolve, why every strategy has strengths and weaknesses, and why relying on a single trading system can create unnecessary risk.Topics discussed include:• Why successful traders should always be researching and testing new ideas• The benefits of automation beyond simply saving time• How Alpha Crunching's TSE 0DTE credit spread strategy fits into a larger portfolio approach• Why trade frequency matters when building confidence in a strategy• Credit spreads vs. debit spreads and diversifying risk/reward profiles• Building a portfolio of strategies instead of relying on a single edge• How community feedback, backtesting, and real-world execution help improve trading systems over timeWhether you're trading manually or exploring automation, this episode will help you think differently about developing and managing trading strategies for the long term.Alpha Crunching:https://www.alphacrunching.com

May 19, 20266 min

187: This Week in the S&P500: SPX Levels, FOMC, and NVDA Earnings

This week on the Stock Market Options Trading Podcast, Eric O’Rourke breaks down the current SPX market pullback, key support levels, upcoming FOMC minutes, and why Nvidia earnings could be a major catalyst for the broader market and AI trade.Eric also shares how the recent uptrend has continued to favor SPX put credit spreads, how the Alpha Crunching 7-day strategy has been performing, and what traders should be watching heading into the summer market environment.Topics include:SPX support and resistance levelsNvidia earnings and AI stock momentumFOMC minutes and interest rate expectationsZero gamma and put wall discussionTrading SPX put credit spreads in an uptrendManaging profits and pullbacksCurrent market sentiment and positioning📈 Learn more about Alpha Crunching: Alpha Crunching🔥 Get 50% Off Your First Year of Alpha Crunching Use code: SPX50Inside Alpha Crunching you'll find:Weekly SPX trade ideas0DTE TSE trade alertsBacktested options strategiesDiscord community & live discussionSPX market forecasts and research

May 5, 202625 min

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.netIn 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 marketAs always, this is a real-time conversation about what we’re actually seeing and trading—no hindsight, just process.

April 28, 202632 min

185: Inside My SPX Strategy with Option Omega

Watch the full video version of this episode:https://youtu.be/2RgGjxUe35w?si=m1BU5TwEq973he2kLinks & 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 OmegaWe 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.

April 20, 202620 min

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 quicklyEric 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 riskBrian 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 platformsIf you’re looking to stay active in this kind of market, this episode is a solid mix of macro perspective and actionable strategy ideas.

April 14, 202621 min

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_GE5PqoIn 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 nowIf 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.

April 3, 20266 min

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 positioningEric 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.netAbout 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.

March 30, 202619 min

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

Brian Terry’s Conservative Options Income Group: https://www.stockmarketoptionstrading.netEric O’Rourke’s SPX Trading Community:https://www.alphacrunching.comTrading 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_5wf6YIThey 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 cashThe 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.

March 25, 202616 min

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 tradingEric 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