WMT Options Signal Bullish Momentum: Key Strikes and Trade Setups for 2026-01-30 Expiry

• WMT trades at $118.30, up 0.4% with RSI near overbought (68.75) and MACD trending higher
• Analysts raised price target to $135 (14% upside), citing AI-driven growth and leadership changes
• Call open interest dominates at $125 and $124 strikes, while puts cluster at $115 and $111

Here’s the thing: WMT’s options market is screaming bullish right now. Calls at key resistance levels are outpacing puts, and analysts are betting big on AI-driven growth. But there’s a catch—short-term technicals hint at a bearish pullback. Let’s break it down.

Bullish Sentiment in Options: Who’s Buying What?

Take a look at the call-heavy open interest: 21,030 contracts at the $125 strike (this Friday’s expiry) and 14,155 at $124 (next Friday). That’s not random—it’s a vote of confidence. Traders are pricing in a potential push toward $125, especially with the $135 price target looming. But don’t ignore the puts: 5,554 contracts at $115 suggest some hedging against a drop below the 30-day support of $112.60.

The block trade at WMT20260213C122 (614 contracts) adds intrigue. Someone big is betting on a mid-February rally above $122. That could mean institutional money is positioning for the CEO transition in February—John Furner takes the helm on the 1st. But here’s the rub: the Kline pattern shows a short-term bearish trend. If the stock dips below $117.14 (intraday low), that call-heavy setup could unravel.

Why the Price Target Hike Matters

Tigress Financial’s $135 target isn’t just a number—it’s a signal. The firm highlighted Walmart’s AI integration with ChatGPT and Gemini, plus its retail media push. These aren’t abstract concepts; they’re profit drivers. The Zacks report backs this up, noting Walmart’s strong omnichannel growth and higher-margin ad revenue. But here’s the catch: operating costs and tariffs still linger as risks. The options market isn’t pricing in those yet, so volatility could spike if earnings miss expectations.

Actionable Trade Ideas: Calls, Puts, and Stock Entries

For options players: Buy the WMT20260130C124 call (next Friday expiry). Why? High open interest (14,155 contracts) and alignment with the $135 target. If WMT holds above $117.50 (support near today’s low), this strike could catch fire. Alternatively, a bear call spread using WMT20260130C124 and WMT20260130C125 could lock in profits if the stock consolidates.

For stock buyers: Consider entry near $117.50 if the price holds above the 20-day MA (115.17). Target $124 first, then $135. Stop-loss below $115.50 would protect against a breakdown. The RSI isn’t overbought, but it’s close—don’t chase a breakout without confirmation.

Volatility on the Horizon

WMT isn’t just a short-term play. The leadership shift in February and AI rollout could fuel multi-week momentum. But watch the 200-day MA (empty data here—use 30-day at $115.12 as proxy). If the stock retests that level and holds, the bullish case strengthens. Conversely, a close below $112.60 (30-day support) would validate the Kline bearish trend.

Bottom line: WMT is at a crossroads. The options market and analysts agree on the upside, but technicals warn of near-term jitters. Play it smart—use the calls to leverage a potential $124–$135 run, but keep a tight stop. This isn’t a gamble; it’s a calculated bet on a retail giant reinventing itself.