Salesforce (CRM) at $241.91: Bearish Technicals Clash with AI-Driven Optimism—Options Setup Targets $250–$235 Range

• CRM’s price dropped 1.67% to $241.91, breaking below its 30-day moving average of $248.29.
• Options data shows heavy call open interest at $250 and $270 (expiring this Friday), while puts dominate at $235 and $240.
• Recent AI acquisitions and Google/AWS partnerships hint at long-term bullish potential, but technicals warn of near-term volatility.
• Put/call ratio for open interest is 0.59, favoring calls—suggesting a short-term rally could be priced in.

Here’s the thing: Salesforce’s stock is caught in a tug-of-war. On one side, technical indicators scream caution. On the other, options traders are betting on a rebound, and the company’s AI-driven news flow keeps the door open for a turnaround. Let’s break it down.

The Options Imbalance: A Battle Between Bulls and Bears

The options market is a chessboard right now. For Friday expiration, call open interest peaks at $250 (1,690 contracts) and $270 (1,535), while puts dominate at $235 (3,066) and $240 (1,113). This isn’t just noise—it’s a signal. Bulls are hedging a short-term bounce, while bears are bracing for a test of support near $237.09 (lower Bollinger Band).

But here’s the twist: next Friday’s options chain tells a different story. Calls at $300 (7,370) and $270 (7,208) suggest some big players are pricing in a sharp rebound. Meanwhile, puts at $240 (3,966) and $220 (3,765) indicate a floor might be set around $220–$230. The put/call ratio of 0.59 (calls > puts) reinforces the idea that traders expect a near-term rally, even if the technicals are bearish.

The Risk? If the stock fails to hold above $239.26 (30-day support), the puts at $235 and $240 could trigger a cascade of selling. But if it holds, the calls at $250 and $270 might force a short-term pop. Either way, the options market is pricing in a volatile week.News Flow: AI Momentum vs. Price Action

Salesforce’s recent headlines are a goldmine for bulls. The $850M AI fund deployment, Spindle AI acquisition, and Google/AWS partnerships all scream innovation. These moves position Salesforce as a leader in the Agentic Enterprise, which could drive long-term growth.

But here’s the catch: the stock hasn’t reacted. Despite these positives, CRM is trading below its 200-day MA of $267.28 and stuck in a bearish RSI range (39.64). Why? Investors might be skeptical about execution risks—can Salesforce monetize these AI bets? Can it compete with Microsoft and Google in the cloud-AI space?

The good news? The Gartner recognition and Vonage partnership add credibility. If the stock breaks above $246.34 (200D resistance), it could validate the AI narrative. But until then, the price action tells a story of caution.

Actionable Trade Ideas: Play the Options ImbalanceFor Options Traders:

• Bear Call Spread (Short-Term): Sell the $250 call (OI: 1,690) and buy the $270 call (OI: 1,535) for Friday expiration. If CRM stays below $250, the spread profits from time decay.
• Put Buy (Short-Term): Buy the $235 put (OI: 3,066) if the stock dips below $241.52. A move to $230 would unlock 10%+ gains.
• Long Call (Mid-Term): Buy the $250 call (OI: 7,708) for next Friday’s expiration. If CRM rebounds off $239.26 support, this strike could catch a rally.

For Stock Traders:

• Short Entry: Consider selling CRM near $243.89 (200D support/resistance). Target $237.09 (lower Bollinger Band) with a stop above $246.34.
• Long Entry: Buy on a pullback to $239.26 (30D support). If the stock holds, target $250 as a key psychological level.

Volatility on the Horizon: What to Watch

The next 72 hours will be critical. If CRM closes above $246.02 (previous close), it could trigger a short-covering rally. But if it breaks below $239.26, the puts at $235 and $220 will dominate.

The AI narrative gives the stock a floor, but the technicals demand respect. This is a classic case of “buy the news, sell the rally.” For now, the options market is pricing in a $235–$270 range. Play within it, and keep your stops tight.

Final Takeaway: Salesforce is at a crossroads. The AI-driven news flow is bullish, but the technicals and options activity suggest a volatile near-term path. Traders who play the $250–$235 range with defined risk could capitalize on the tension between innovation and execution. As always, the key is to stay nimble—this stock isn’t going to follow a straight line.