Alphabet (GOOGL) Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strike Levels and Trading Setups for Dec 12–19 Expirations

• Earnings beat and AI-driven growth lifted Q4 revenue 12% to $62.3B, with cloud growth outpacing rivals.
• Regulatory risks linger after EU fines and DOJ lawsuits, but a $10B buyback signals management confidence.
• Options market favors upside: Call open interest dominates at $330–$340 strikes, with whale trades hinting at strategic positioning.

Here’s the thing: GOOGL’s price action and options flow tell two stories. On one hand, the stock is clawing back from a 0.9% intraday drop. On the other, technicals and options data scream upside potential—if it can hold key support. Let’s break it down.

Bullish Imbalance in Options and Whale Moves

The options market isn’t just bullish—it’s selectively bullish. For this Friday’s expirations (Dec 12), call open interest peaks at $330 ($OI: 13,984) and $325 ($OI: 9,222), while puts cluster at $290 ($OI: 9,417) and $300 ($OI: 8,183). That’s a classic “buy the rumor, sell the news” setup: traders are hedging downside but betting on a rebound above $320.

Next Friday’s (Dec 19) options amplify the bias. Calls at $335 ($OI: 24,057) and $340 ($OI: 15,901) dominate, with puts at $310 ($OI: 24,028) and $290 ($OI: 19,942) acting as a counterweight. The Put/Call ratio of 0.786 (calls > puts) confirms a net bullish stance.

Now, the block trades add intrigue. A 1,000-lot GOOGL20251219C260 call buy (expiring Dec 19) suggests big money is eyeing a breakout above $260. Meanwhile, a GOOGL20260320P235 put purchase (March 2026) hints at long-term hedging against a potential regulatory-driven selloff. Don’t ignore the GOOGL20260116P240 put trades either—repeated buys here could signal a dark pool short covering its bets.

News Flow: Growth vs. Risk in a Tug-of-War

Alphabet’s recent news is a mixed bag. The Q4 earnings beat and $10B buyback are tailwinds, but EU fines and DOJ lawsuits cast shadows. Here’s the kicker: the market’s pricing in a resolution narrative. The stock surged 6% after strong cloud results but dropped 8% on the EU fine—volatility like this creates options opportunities.

The Pixel 8 Pro launch and Mayo Clinic partnership are long-term plays. They’ll boost revenue in 2026, but short-term traders care more about the immediate catalysts: Will the stock hold above its 30D support of $284? Can the 200D MA ($162.57) act as a floor if the worst-case regulatory scenarios play out?

Actionable Trades: Calls for Breakouts, Puts for Safety

If you’re bullish but cautious, here’s your playbook:

• Call Play (Dec 12 Expiry): Buy GOOGL20251212C330 at $330. Why? The strike aligns with the 30D Bollinger Upper Band ($335.98) and has strong open interest. A close above $318.10 (current price) could trigger a rally toward $325–$330.
• Put Hedge (Dec 19 Expiry): Buy GOOGL20251219P310 at $310. This strike sits just below the 20D moving average ($301.23) and offers protection if the stock dips toward the 30D support zone ($284–$285).
• Stock Entry: Consider buying GOOGL near $317 if it holds above today’s intraday low of $316.83. Target $325–$330 as a first profit zone, with a stop-loss below $310.

Volatility on the Horizon

The next two weeks will test GOOGL’s resolve. Regulatory risks are real, but so is the company’s growth engine. The options market is pricing in a $320–$340 range battle, with key inflection points at Dec 12 and Dec 19 expirations. If the stock clears $325 cleanly, the 200D MA becomes irrelevant—bulls take control. But if it cracks $310, watch for a retest of the $284 support. Either way, the data says: position for direction, hedge for uncertainty.