Alphabet A (GOOGL) Options Signal Bullish Momentum: Key Strikes and Whale Moves to Watch for 2026 Gains

• Current price: $314.98, up 0.63% from open.
• Call open interest dominates (1.23x puts), with heavy concentration at $320–$325 strikes.
• Block trades hint at institutional positioning: $2.5M in puts at $240 and $1.7M in calls at $270 for March 2026.

Here’s what the data tells us: Options market sentiment and technicals align for a short-term upside breakout, but regulatory risks linger. Let’s break it down.Bullish Pressure at $320–$325, Whale Moves Signal Hedging

The options chain is screaming one thing: traders are betting on a push above $320. This Friday’s call open interest peaks at $320 (13,265 contracts) and $322.5 (10,390), while next Friday’s $325 strike (3,984 OI) suggests lingering bullish conviction. That’s not just noise—it’s a crowd betting on a retest of the intraday high of $322.5.

But don’t ignore the puts. The $315 strike (11,038 OI for next Friday) and $310 (6,762 OI this Friday) act like speed bumps. If the stock stumbles below $310.33 (today’s low), that could trigger a short-term selloff.

Now, the block trades add intrigue. A $2.5M trade in the GOOGL20260116P240 put (expiring Jan 16) and a $1.7M bet in the GOOGL20260320C270 call (March 20) suggest big players are hedging near-term risks while eyeing a longer-term rally. Think of it like a captain securing the boat while charting a course for deeper waters.

News Flow: AI Wins vs. EU Headwinds

Alphabet’s Q4 beat, $2.5B HealthTech acquisition, and $10B buyback are fuel for the bullish fire. The new AI-powered analytics platform and ad-free YouTube tier could juice revenue streams. But the EU antitrust probe is a wildcard—regulators might force changes to ad tech, which accounts for 80% of Alphabet’s revenue.

Investor sentiment is split. Retail traders are hyped by the earnings pop and AI bets, but institutional buyers might be cautious. The block trade in the $240 put (GOOGL20260116P240) shows someone’s hedging against a regulatory-driven dip.

Actionable Trades: Calls at $320, Stock Entry Near $312

For options:

• GOOGL20260109C320 (this Friday’s $320 call): High OI and proximity to the 30-day support/resistance zone ($319.52–$320.31) make this a breakout play. If the stock cracks $320, this could run.
• GOOGL20260116C325 (next Friday’s $325 call): A safer bet for a retest of the $322.5 high.

For stock:

• Entry near $312 (middle Bollinger Band) if support holds above $310.33.
• Target zone: $322.5 (intraday high) to $325 (key call OI cluster).
• Stop-loss: Below $310.33 invalidates the bullish case.

Volatility on the Horizon: Balancing Bullish Momentum and Regulatory Risks

Alphabet’s options market is primed for a short-term rally, but the EU probe adds a layer of uncertainty. The $320–$325 call strikes and $310–$315 put levels will be critical battlegrounds. If the stock holds above $310, the bulls have a clear path to $325. But a breakdown below $310 could force a reevaluation of the long-term trade.

Bottom line: This is a high-conviction setup. The options data and news flow align for a push higher, but keep an eye on the EU front. Position yourself with the GOOGL20260109C320 for a quick move or the GOOGL20260320C270 for a longer play. And if you’re hedging, the GOOGL20260116P240 put offers a safety net.

Look, no one’s saying this will be smooth sailing. But when the technicals, options flow, and news all point in the same direction, it’s time to lean in—just don’t ignore the storm clouds on the horizon.