Amazon (AMZN) Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strike Levels and Block Trades Point to Strategic Entry Zones for 2026
- AMZN trades at $231.33, down 0.5% from its 2025 high of $232.98, but remains above its 30D and 200D moving averages.
- Call open interest dominates at $235–$240 strikes (this Friday’s top OTM calls), while puts cluster at $225–$230.
- Block trades reveal a $500K call buy at $250 (expiring Jan 16) and a $1.35M put trade at $240 (Nov 21 expiry), hinting at institutional positioning.
Let’s start with the options data. Call open interest is heavily concentrated at $235 and $240 for this Friday’s expiry, with 27,118 and 18,276 contracts outstanding, respectively. That’s not just noise—it’s a vote of confidence from institutional players who expect AMZNAMZN-- to test those levels before the January 2nd expiration. Meanwhile, puts at $225 and $230 (4,034 and 3,135 OI for next Friday) suggest a minority are hedging against a drop below the 200D MA at $216.68.
The block trades add intrigue. A $500K buy of the AMZN20260116C250AMZN20260116C250-- call (expiring Jan 16) signals someone is betting on a sharp rally post-earnings. Conversely, the $1.35M AMZN20251121P240 put trade (expiring Nov 21) hints at lingering bearish caution. But here’s the kicker: the put/call ratio for open interest is just 0.74, meaning calls dominate. That’s a strong bias for upside, especially when paired with AMZN’s long-term bullish Kline pattern.
News Flow Fuels the NarrativeAmazon’s fundamentals are lining up with this bullish setup. Recent headlines highlight AWS’s $33B revenue quarter and a new AI model, Nova, positioning the stock for growth in 2026. Analysts are penciling in a $296 price target (27% upside from current levels), and Evercore ISI just named AMZN its top internet stock. But here’s the catch: the stock has been range-bound since July. That consolidation could mean the market is digesting gains—or it could be a pre-earnings rally masking near-term volatility. Retail investors are already pricing in a 5.59% YTD gain, but the RSI at 58.68 suggests we’re not yet in overbought territory.
Actionable Trades for 2026For options traders, the AMZN20260109C235AMZN20260109C235-- and AMZN20260109C240AMZN20260109C240-- calls (expiring Jan 9) are prime candidates. With 8,205 and 8,188 contracts outstanding, these strikes align with both the Bollinger Band upper bound ($236.50) and the 30D support/resistance zone ($232.35–$232.69). A breakout above $235 would validate the bullish case, with targets at $240 and beyond.
Stock traders should consider entries near $228.95 (middle Bollinger Band) if AMZN holds its 200D MA. A close below $221.41 (lower Bollinger Band) would trigger a reevaluation, but the 200D support at $221.06 offers a secondary floor. For a bearish hedge, a put spread at $225–$230 could cap downside risk while preserving upside potential.
Volatility on the Horizon: Positioning for Amazon’s Earnings-Driven MoveThe coming weeks will test AMZN’s resolve. With earnings in late January and a $296 price target in play, the stock could surge if AWS growth outperforms. But don’t ignore the risks: a drop below $228.95 would force a reassessment of the bullish case. The key takeaway? Position for a breakout but keep stops tight. The options market isn’t just bullish—it’s strategic. And right now, the data says AMZN is on the cusp of a move that could redefine its 2026 trajectory.

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