Alphabet (GOOGL) Options Signal Bullish Momentum: Key Strikes and AI-Driven Opportunities

• Current price: $327.08, down 0.45% from previous close but holding above 30D support at $313.28
• Options market shows heavy call open interest at $330–$350 strikes, with $350 calls (GOOGL20260116C350) seeing 33,908 contracts
• Block trades reveal large institutional selling of $350 calls (GOOGL20260320C350) ahead of March 2026 expiration

Here’s the takeaway: GOOGL’s options activity and technicals align on a strong bullish bias, but the $330–$350 call-heavy setup hints at a potential short-term ceiling. Let’s break down why this matters for traders today.

Bullish Pressure at $330–$350 Strikes, But Puts Signal Caution

The options chain tells a clear story: traders are piling into calls above the current price. For this Friday’s expiration, $350 calls (GOOGL20260116C350) dominate with 33,908 open contracts—nearly triple the next strike. That’s not just noise; it’s a vote of confidence in a near-term pop. But here’s the catch: the put/call ratio for open interest is 0.826, meaning calls still outweigh puts. However, the $300 puts (GOOGL20260116P300) with 41,463 contracts suggest some hedging against a sharp drop.

Block trades add intrigue. Three separate sales of 3,000+ $350 calls (GOOGL20260320C350) totaling $5.62 million in turnover signal big players either locking in profits or hedging long-term positions. If you’re trading, this could mean a potential ceiling at $350—those calls might act as a magnet or a wall, depending on who’s behind them.

AI News Fuels Momentum, But Retail Sentiment Matters

Alphabet’s AI-driven retail push with Walmart and Shopify isn’t just buzz—it’s a catalyst. The Universal Commerce Protocol and Gemini Enterprise integration position GOOGL to capture more retail spend, which could juice ad revenue and cloud growth. Analysts have bumped price targets to $365–$390, and the $4.75B Intersect acquisition shows they’re betting big on AI infrastructure.

But here’s the rub: while institutional buyers are bullish, retail traders might be skittish. The $140M in insider sales over six months isn’t a red flag, but it’s a reminder that even strong fundamentals can face short-term profit-taking. The key is whether the AI narrative sticks with everyday investors—right now, the options data suggests they’re buying in.

Actionable Trades: Calls for Aggressive Bets, Stock for Core Holdings

For options traders, the most compelling plays are:

• GOOGL20260116C330: Buy calls expiring this Friday if the stock holds above $325. Target $335–$340 by expiration.
• GOOGL20260123C340: For a longer play, next Friday’s $340 calls could benefit from the AI news flow.

For stock traders, consider:

• Entry near $325–$327: With RSI at 88.5 and MACD above signal line, a pullback to $313.28 (30D support) could offer a safer entry.
• Targets: $335 (intraday high) and $350 (call-heavy zone).
• Stop-loss: Below $313.28 would invalidate the bullish case.

Bullish Trends and Strategic Entry Points for GOOGL

The setup is clear: technicals, options flow, and AI-driven news all point higher. But don’t ignore the risks—those $300 puts and insider sales mean volatility could spike. If you’re in, balance aggression with caution. For the next 48 hours, watch the $325–$329 range. A break above $329.43 (intraday high) could trigger a rush toward the $350 call wall. Stay nimble, and let the data guide your next move.