NVDA Options Signal Bullish Momentum: Key Strikes and Trade Setups for Dec 26 Expiry

• Nvidia surges 2.3% to $187.90, breaking above its 30-day moving average of $182.51.
• Call open interest dominates at $190 and $200 strikes, with puts clustering at $160.
• Insider sales of $40M+ in shares raise questions but analysts dismiss as routine diversification.

Here’s the thing: options data and technicals are painting a clear bullish picture for Nvidia today. With calls outpacing puts and price action pushing through key resistance, the stock is set up for a short-term breakout—or a sharp correction if support fails. Let’s break it down.

Bullish Calls and Whale Moves: What the Options Chain Reveals

The options market is all-in on the upside. For Friday’s expiry (Dec 26), NVDA20251226C190 and NVDA20251226C200 calls lead the pack with 62,493 and 32,456 open contracts. That’s not just noise—it’s a vote of confidence from institutional players. The put side isn’t ignored, though: NVDA20251226P160 has 52,526 open puts, suggesting a floor around $160 if the rally stumbles.

Block trades add intrigue. A 26,000-lot NVDA20250919C175 call buy in late November hints at big money locking in gains. Meanwhile, the NVDA20260116P160 put block (1,250 contracts) shows some hedging for January. The put/call ratio of 0.86 (calls > puts) reinforces the bullish tilt—but don’t ignore the risk: if NVDA dips below $180.50 (30D support), those puts could trigger a cascade.

News Flow: Insider Sales vs. AI Dominance

Nvidia’s directors sold $40M+ in shares this week, sparking chatter. But context matters: these are routine transactions under Rule 10b5-1 plans, not panic selling. The bigger story? $130B in 2025 revenue and 114% growth in AI/data-center chips. Analysts at Tigress and Bernstein still rate it a “Strong Buy.” Retail traders are buying the narrative—NVDA’s 4.3% weekly gain outpaces the broader market.

The catch? If AI demand slows in Q1, earnings could disappoint. But for now, the stock’s technicals and options flow align with a sector leader in full stride.

Trade Setups: Calls, Puts, and Price Levels to Watch

For options:

• Bullish Play: Buy NVDA20251226C190 (Dec 26 expiry). If NVDA holds above $182.90 (intraday low), this call could catch a pop to $195.
• Bearish Hedge: Buy NVDA20260116P160 (Jan 16 expiry) for downside protection. A drop below $179.92 (middle Bollinger Band) would validate the put.

For stock:

• Entry: Consider buying near $182.90 if the 30D support holds. Target $195 if the 200D MA ($157.92) keeps lifting.
• Stop-Loss: Exit if price drops below $180.50 (30D support).

Volatility on the Horizon: What’s Next

The next 72 hours will test NVDA’s resolve. A close above $188.63 (intraday high) could trigger a rally toward $200. But watch for profit-taking if the stock falters near $190. The options market is pricing in a 68% chance of staying above $172.17 (lower Bollinger Band), but don’t be surprised if short-term volatility spikes ahead of earnings.

Bottom line: This is a stock with momentum and a sector tailwind. The options data and fundamentals line up for a bullish trade—but always keep a stop in place. The AI train isn’t slowing down… yet.