158: This Week In The S&P500: Two Primary Drivers of the Stock Market Right Now.

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 discussing how he’s using covered calls on SPY as a way to generate income and manage positions during the current market uptrend.👉 If you want to join future sessions live, visit https://stockmarketoptionstrading.net and check the Events tab for schedules and Zoom links. Replays are always posted here on the YouTube channel.

🎁 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:Why end-of-day data lies for options backtests and how 1-minute, intraday pricing changes the conclusions (stops, profit targets, and whether you even got filled).The rise of 0DTE and why intraday realism matters way more than it did for 45–90 DTE trades.The “Punisher”: stress-testing backtests with slippage, fills, and tougher assumptions so results hold up in live trading.Liquidity matters: why OO focuses on top tickers (SPX, SPY, QQQ, etc.), and the pros/cons of instruments like XSP.RICs (Reverse Iron Condors) as long-gamma plays: when long premium + the right signal can still have positive expectancy, and sizing so a few losses don’t nuke the account.Credit-spread philosophy: structure ≠ edge. Edge comes from when you put it on (signals), then you pick the simplest structure that monetizes that edge.Automation better than willpower: broker-resting stops, time windows, and signal-gated entries so your plan runs even when you’re walking the dog.Sizing & psychology: allocations as a strategy; why many traders should downshift to one-lots more often; diversifying edges (theta harvest + long-gamma + price-action) on the same ticker.My ASD signal (Alpha Crunching): using Average Strength Deviation as a weekly, day-of-week filter; combining ASD with simple MAs/EMAs for “aggressive” ATM put-credit spreads; converting those rules into hands-off automations.Broker support today: Schwab, Tastytrade, Tradier (IB not currently supported for U.S. retail cloud API).Key takeaways:Backtests need intraday realism or they’re just stories.Structure is just the container; edge = timing + conditions.If your edge is “market stability”, credit spreads monetize it better than naked long calls.Automation lets you run more strategies with smaller per-trade risk and fewer emotional mistakes.Test harshly (slippage, fills, stops) so live results rhyme with backtests.Resources & links:🔧 https://OptionOmega.com (backtesting + automation) — Use code SMOT for 50% off.📈 https://AlphaCrunching.com (signals, forecasts, ASD/WTR/TTR, weekly trade ideas) Use code SPX50 for 50% off first year.

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:Last week’s market moves, Powell’s comments, and how they affected options positionsAn Intel trade idea: building a position with stock, covered calls, and long-term outlookA deep dive into a broken wing butterfly setup on Carvana and why it flips the risk/reward compared to standard spreadsKey economic events on this week’s calendar (GDP, core PCE, jobs data) and how they may impact price actionTools for traders: Forex Factory, Unusual Whales options flow, and Alpha Crunching’s new ASD forecast researchWhether you’re into SPX spreads, directional trades, or income strategies, this session covers practical setups and the thought process behind them.👉 Catch the live session every week by RSVPing at https://stockmarketoptionstrading.net/events.👉 Join the conversation in the Alpha Crunching Discord to access research, options flow tools, and weekly trade ideas.

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/eventsIn 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 for long-term success. We also dig into trade management, allocation, and automation using Option Omega.Brian shares one of his go-to strategies—the Poor Man’s Covered Call (Diagonal Call Spread)—breaking down a real trade example in $ANET, including strike selection, rolling, and risk management.We also touch on the week’s economic calendar, including the FOMC minutes and Jackson Hole Symposium, and how traders might factor these events into their setups.👉 To RSVP for future live sessions: https://stockmarketoptionstrading.net/events👉 Watch replays on YouTube: Stock Market Options Trading channel⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Options involve risk and are not suitable for every investor.

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 ForestIn 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 0DTE Iron Butterfly Risk Free Walkthroughhttps://youtu.be/AUpTVV-a4sQ🌲SPX 0DTE Options Strategy: Risk Free Trade Walkthroughhttps://youtu.be/nSLOBTKgvmw🌳SPX 0DTE Risk Free Profit Forest Trade: Green Everywhere!https://youtu.be/mojAC_DXZ6M📈 Get your edge with AlphaCrunching.comAccess daily SPX forecasts and backtested trade ideas to help guide your SPX decisions.👉 Use code SPX50 for 50% off your first month/year: https://www.alphacrunching.com💬 Join the free SMOT communityChat with other SPX traders, explore trade alerts, and access educational content at:🔗 https://www.stockmarketoptionstrading.net

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’s impacting his current trades.Plus, you'll hear the latest backtested trade ideas, including put credit spreads and hedge setups—all driven by AlphaCrunching’s proprietary Triumph Rate metrics and trend data.📈 Join Alpha Crunching for weekly SPX forecasts, trade ideas, and strategy tools: AlphaCrunching.com🎙️ Chat with Eric and other traders in the free SMOT Community at StockMarketOptionsTrading.net

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🔹 Join the free SMOT Community Chat to connect with other traders at StockMarketOptionsTrading.netNew video episodes now available on YouTube! 🎥 Just search for Stock Market Options Trading.Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Options trading involves risk and is not suitable for all investors. Nothing discussed should be considered financial or investment advice. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial professional.

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 alerts and educational content each week.Whether you’re retired or just planning ahead, this episode has something for every trader looking to keep learning and stay engaged.🎯 Want to trade alongside us? Get a 30-day trial to the Alpha Traders Club at StockMarketOptionsTrading.net. Inside, you'll get access to real-time trade alerts, weekly trade breakdowns, and a private chat community focused on SPX options and consistent strategy execution.

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 SPX call credit spread trade he's considering around the 6000 level, outlining the logic behind the strike selection and risk management with a possible roll into an iron condor.Plus, he touches on key option levels from SpotGamma, the latest consumer confidence data, and how this week’s economic calendar (including GDP and inflation reports) might play into market moves.🎥 Watch the video version here: [Insert YouTube link]Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not financial advice. Always do your own due diligence before making any trading or investment decisions.