COT Updates

Archive for COT Updates – Page 26

Commitment of Traders Data – Weekly Updates for the Futures Markets

COT Metals Charts: Speculator Bets led by Steel & Palladium

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday October 8th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by Steel & Palladium

The COT metals markets speculator bets were overall lower this week as just two out of the six metals markets we cover had higher positioning while the other four markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the metals was small gains for Steel (830 contracts) with Palladium (546 contracts) also showing a rising week.

The markets with declines in speculator bets for the week were Gold (-21,751 contracts), Platinum (-4,475 contracts), Silver (-2,209 contracts) and with Copper (-96 contracts) also registering a small decrease in bets on the week.

Metals Net Speculators Leaderboard

Legend: Weekly Speculators Change | Speculators Current Net Position | Speculators Strength Score compared to last 3-Years (0-100 range)

Strength Scores led by Silver & Steel

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that Silver (90 percent) and Steel (89 percent) remain near the top of their 3-Year ranges and lead the metals markets this week. Gold (86 percent) comes in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, Palladium (48 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently but is close to the midpoint (50 percent) for the past 3-Years.

Strength Statistics:
Gold (85.9 percent) vs Gold previous week (94.1 percent)
Silver (90.0 percent) vs Silver previous week (93.0 percent)
Copper (73.4 percent) vs Copper previous week (73.5 percent)
Platinum (81.2 percent) vs Platinum previous week (93.1 percent)
Palladium (48.4 percent) vs Palladium previous week (44.4 percent)
Steel (89.4 percent) vs Palladium previous week (86.3 percent)

Palladium & Copper top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that Palladium (33 percent) and Copper (24 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for metals. Platinum (21 percent) is the next highest positive mover in the latest trends data.

Gold (-6 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently and is the only market with a negative trend.

Move Statistics:
Gold (-6.2 percent) vs Gold previous week (3.3 percent)
Silver (3.4 percent) vs Silver previous week (10.1 percent)
Copper (24.2 percent) vs Copper previous week (21.3 percent)
Platinum (21.2 percent) vs Platinum previous week (35.5 percent)
Palladium (33.3 percent) vs Palladium previous week (32.3 percent)
Steel (11.8 percent) vs Steel previous week (9.7 percent)

Individual Markets:

Gold Comex Futures:

The Gold Comex Futures large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 278,180 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -21,751 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 299,931 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 85.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 12.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 64.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Gold Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	67.1	13.3	9.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	13.6	71.7	4.9
– Net Position:	278,180	-303,976	25,796
– Gross Longs:	348,891	68,957	51,440
– Gross Shorts:	70,711	372,933	25,644
– Long to Short Ratio:	4.9 to 1	0.2 to 1	2.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	85.9	12.9	64.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-6.2	6.6	-7.5

Silver Comex Futures:

The Silver Comex Futures large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 54,715 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -2,209 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 56,924 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 90.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 9.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 77.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Silver Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	50.5	20.8	21.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	12.2	74.5	6.5
– Net Position:	54,715	-76,715	22,000
– Gross Longs:	72,113	29,717	31,279
– Gross Shorts:	17,398	106,432	9,279
– Long to Short Ratio:	4.1 to 1	0.3 to 1	3.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	90.0	9.0	77.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	3.4	-5.1	9.9

Copper Grade #1 Futures:

The Copper Grade #1 Futures large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 43,096 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -96 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 43,192 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 73.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 25.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 73.5 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

Copper Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	43.6	28.4	8.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	25.8	50.1	4.5
– Net Position:	43,096	-52,304	9,208
– Gross Longs:	105,252	68,582	20,178
– Gross Shorts:	62,156	120,886	10,970
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.7 to 1	0.6 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	73.4	25.4	73.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	24.2	-22.7	2.1

Platinum Futures:

The Platinum Futures large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 23,657 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -4,475 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 28,132 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 81.2 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 8.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 78.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

Platinum Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	60.2	20.0	13.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	29.5	60.3	4.0
– Net Position:	23,657	-31,009	7,352
– Gross Longs:	46,339	15,424	10,408
– Gross Shorts:	22,682	46,433	3,056
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.0 to 1	0.3 to 1	3.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	81.2	8.9	78.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	21.2	-23.6	14.5

Palladium Futures:

The Palladium Futures large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -7,317 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 546 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -7,863 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 48.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 52.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 57.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Palladium Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	26.9	58.2	10.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	67.3	20.5	7.8
– Net Position:	-7,317	6,829	488
– Gross Longs:	4,882	10,549	1,906
– Gross Shorts:	12,199	3,720	1,418
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.4 to 1	2.8 to 1	1.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	48.4	52.7	57.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	33.3	-36.3	26.5

Steel Futures Futures:

The Steel Futures large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -1,801 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 830 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -2,631 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 89.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 10.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 67.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

Steel Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	22.4	69.7	1.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	29.8	63.7	0.6
– Net Position:	-1,801	1,479	322
– Gross Longs:	5,473	17,032	470
– Gross Shorts:	7,274	15,553	148
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.1 to 1	3.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	89.4	10.3	67.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	11.8	-13.2	40.7

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

*COT Report: The COT data, released weekly to the public each Friday, is updated through the most recent Tuesday (data is 3 days old) and shows a quick view of how large speculators or non-commercials (for-profit traders) were positioned in the futures markets.

The CFTC categorizes trader positions according to commercial hedgers (traders who use futures contracts for hedging as part of the business), non-commercials (large traders who speculate to realize trading profits) and nonreportable traders (usually small traders/speculators) as well as their open interest (contracts open in the market at time of reporting). See CFTC criteria here.

12 Oct

COT Bonds Charts: Speculator Bets led by 10-Year Bonds & US Treasury Bonds

By InvestMacro

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) reports data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday October 8th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial hedgers) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by 10-Year Bonds & US Treasury Bonds

The COT bond market speculator bets were overall lower this week as two out of the nine bond markets we cover had higher positioning while the other seven markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the bond markets was the 10-Year Bonds (183,760 contracts) with the US Treasury Bonds (20,403 contracts) also showing a positive week.

The bond markets with declines in speculator bets for the week were the SOFR 3-Months (-225,896 contracts), the 2-Year Bonds (-46,817 contracts), the Fed Funds (-54,222 contracts), the 5-Year Bonds (-49,535 contracts), the SOFR 1-Month (-27,938 contracts), the Ultra Treasury Bonds (-19,033 contracts) and with the Ultra 10-Year Bonds (-1,918 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week.

Bonds Net Speculators Leaderboard

Legend: Weekly Speculators Change | Speculators Current Net Position | Speculators Strength Score compared to last 3-Years (0-100 range)

Strength Scores led by Fed Funds & Ultra Treasury Bonds

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that the Fed Funds (90 percent) and the Ultra Treasury Bonds (81 percent) lead the bond markets this week. The SOFR 3-Months (79 percent) come in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, the 5-Year Bonds (8 percent), the SOFR 1-Month (8 percent), the 10-Year Bonds (16 percent) and the 2-Year Bonds (16 percent) come in at the lowest strength level currently and are in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent).

Strength Statistics:
Fed Funds (90.0 percent) vs Fed Funds previous week (100.0 percent)
2-Year Bond (16.0 percent) vs 2-Year Bond previous week (19.0 percent)
5-Year Bond (8.4 percent) vs 5-Year Bond previous week (11.4 percent)
10-Year Bond (16.1 percent) vs 10-Year Bond previous week (0.0 percent)
Ultra 10-Year Bond (40.7 percent) vs Ultra 10-Year Bond previous week (41.1 percent)
US Treasury Bond (57.0 percent) vs US Treasury Bond previous week (49.8 percent)
Ultra US Treasury Bond (80.6 percent) vs Ultra US Treasury Bond previous week (89.4 percent)
SOFR 1-Month (7.7 percent) vs SOFR 1-Month previous week (15.0 percent)
SOFR 3-Months (79.3 percent) vs SOFR 3-Months previous week (91.0 percent)

Fed Funds top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the Fed Funds (70 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for bonds. The Ultra 10-Year Bonds (5 percent) and the 5-Year Bonds (3 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

The US Treasury Bonds (-22 percent) and the 2-Year Bonds (-13 percent) lead the downside trend scores currently with the SOFR 3-Months (-9 percent) and the Ultra Treasury Bonds (-6 percent) following next with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
Fed Funds (69.8 percent) vs Fed Funds previous week (70.6 percent)
2-Year Bond (-12.5 percent) vs 2-Year Bond previous week (-1.6 percent)
5-Year Bond (3.4 percent) vs 5-Year Bond previous week (11.4 percent)
10-Year Bond (-4.0 percent) vs 10-Year Bond previous week (-9.3 percent)
Ultra 10-Year Bond (5.3 percent) vs Ultra 10-Year Bond previous week (11.5 percent)
US Treasury Bond (-21.6 percent) vs US Treasury Bond previous week (-22.0 percent)
Ultra US Treasury Bond (-5.8 percent) vs Ultra US Treasury Bond previous week (28.9 percent)
SOFR 1-Month (-47.6 percent) vs SOFR 1-Month previous week (-50.9 percent)
SOFR 3-Months (-9.4 percent) vs SOFR 3-Months previous week (11.0 percent)

30-Day Federal Funds Futures:

The 30-Day Federal Funds large speculator standing this week reached a net position of 191,471 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -54,222 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 245,693 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 90.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 9.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 62.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Downtrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Short Position.

30-Day Federal Funds Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	23.1	50.9	4.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	13.9	59.5	4.6
– Net Position:	191,471	-179,097	-12,374
– Gross Longs:	481,131	1,059,607	84,379
– Gross Shorts:	289,660	1,238,704	96,753
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.7 to 1	0.9 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	90.0	9.5	62.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	69.8	-68.4	-4.2

Secured Overnight Financing Rate (3-Month) Futures:

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (3-Month) large speculator standing this week reached a net position of 368,420 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -225,896 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 594,316 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 79.3 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 20.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 90.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

SOFR 3-Months Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	15.9	55.7	1.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	12.3	59.4	0.9
– Net Position:	368,420	-373,123	4,703
– Gross Longs:	1,630,441	5,720,105	100,511
– Gross Shorts:	1,262,021	6,093,228	95,808
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.3 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	79.3	20.3	90.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-9.4	9.1	3.4

Individual Bond Markets:

Secured Overnight Financing Rate (1-Month) Futures:

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (1-Month) large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -222,460 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -27,938 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -194,522 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 7.7 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 92.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 51.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

SOFR 1-Month Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	10.2	66.4	0.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	29.7	46.8	0.9
– Net Position:	-222,460	223,071	-611
– Gross Longs:	115,999	755,402	9,260
– Gross Shorts:	338,459	532,331	9,871
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.4 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	7.7	92.5	51.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-47.6	47.5	1.5

2-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 2-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -1,225,036 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -46,817 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,178,219 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 16.0 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 78.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 96.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend.

2-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	14.3	77.6	6.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	41.9	54.3	2.3
– Net Position:	-1,225,036	1,034,896	190,140
– Gross Longs:	635,254	3,446,184	292,339
– Gross Shorts:	1,860,290	2,411,288	102,199
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.4 to 1	2.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	16.0	78.0	96.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-12.5	13.8	2.5

5-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 5-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -1,600,325 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -49,535 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,550,790 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 8.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 92.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 89.9 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend.

5-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	7.8	83.4	7.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	33.4	61.0	4.3
– Net Position:	-1,600,325	1,404,836	195,489
– Gross Longs:	488,596	5,223,372	463,588
– Gross Shorts:	2,088,921	3,818,536	268,099
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.2 to 1	1.4 to 1	1.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	8.4	92.8	89.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	3.4	-4.2	-0.9

10-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 10-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -960,129 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 183,760 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,143,889 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 16.1 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 77.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 99.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Uptrend.

10-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	10.1	77.6	9.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	30.0	60.9	6.6
– Net Position:	-960,129	805,589	154,540
– Gross Longs:	489,605	3,746,029	475,440
– Gross Shorts:	1,449,734	2,940,440	320,900
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.3 to 1	1.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	16.1	77.4	99.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-4.0	6.2	-0.9

Ultra 10-Year Notes Futures:

The Ultra 10-Year Notes large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -82,467 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -1,918 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -80,549 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 40.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 47.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 69.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Ultra 10-Year Notes Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	16.0	73.9	9.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	19.7	66.9	12.9
– Net Position:	-82,467	155,448	-72,981
– Gross Longs:	352,173	1,630,033	211,286
– Gross Shorts:	434,640	1,474,585	284,267
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.1 to 1	0.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	40.7	47.3	69.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	5.3	3.0	-21.3

US Treasury Bonds Futures:

The US Treasury Bonds large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -76,175 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 20,403 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -96,578 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 57.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 20.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 88.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Uptrend.

US Treasury Bonds Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	20.6	65.1	13.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	24.9	66.6	7.7
– Net Position:	-76,175	-25,386	101,561
– Gross Longs:	362,540	1,148,669	237,597
– Gross Shorts:	438,715	1,174,055	136,036
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.0 to 1	1.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	57.0	20.3	88.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-21.6	19.4	3.0

Ultra US Treasury Bonds Futures:

The Ultra US Treasury Bonds large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -282,251 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -19,033 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -263,218 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 80.6 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 26.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 28.8 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Uptrend.

Ultra US Treasury Bonds Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	10.1	79.2	10.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	26.7	63.6	9.6
– Net Position:	-282,251	265,926	16,325
– Gross Longs:	172,856	1,351,055	180,774
– Gross Shorts:	455,107	1,085,129	164,449
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.4 to 1	1.2 to 1	1.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	80.6	26.6	28.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-5.8	6.1	0.4

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

Bonds COT Updates Financial News

12 Oct

COT Soft Commodities Charts: Speculator Bets led higher by Corn & Soybeans

By InvestMacro

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) reports data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday October 8th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led higher by Corn & Soybeans

The COT soft commodities markets speculator bets were slightly higher this week as six out of the eleven softs markets we cover had higher positioning while the other five markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the softs markets was Corn (43,264 contracts) with Soybeans (22,511 contracts), Lean Hogs (14,156 contracts), Live Cattle (11,909 contracts), Soybean Oil (10,065 contracts) and with Cocoa (558 contracts) also showing a positive week.

The markets with the declines in speculator bets this week were Sugar (-26,375 contracts) with Wheat (-7,366 contracts), Coffee (-5,098 contracts), Soybean Meal (-4,175 contracts) and Cotton (-1,553 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week.

Soft Commodities Net Speculators Leaderboard

Legend: Weekly Speculators Change | Speculators Current Net Position | Speculators Strength Score compared to last 3-Years (0-100 range)

Strength Scores led by Coffee & Soybean Oil

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that Coffee (87 percent) and Soybean Oil (74 percent) lead the softs markets this week. Soybean Meal (68 percent), Lean Hogs (67 percent) and Wheat (60 percent) come in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, Cotton (22 percent) and Soybeans (34 percent) come in at the lowest strength levels currently followed next by Sugar (38 percent) and Corn (38 percent).

Strength Statistics:
Corn (38.5 percent) vs Corn previous week (33.0 percent)
Sugar (37.8 percent) vs Sugar previous week (47.1 percent)
Coffee (87.0 percent) vs Coffee previous week (92.0 percent)
Soybeans (34.5 percent) vs Soybeans previous week (29.2 percent)
Soybean Oil (74.4 percent) vs Soybean Oil previous week (68.9 percent)
Soybean Meal (68.4 percent) vs Soybean Meal previous week (70.1 percent)
Live Cattle (48.8 percent) vs Live Cattle previous week (35.9 percent)
Lean Hogs (67.1 percent) vs Lean Hogs previous week (53.4 percent)
Cotton (22.3 percent) vs Cotton previous week (23.3 percent)
Cocoa (50.7 percent) vs Cocoa previous week (50.1 percent)
Wheat (60.4 percent) vs Wheat previous week (65.7 percent)

Soybean Oil & Lean Hogs top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that Soybean Oil (49 percent) and Lean Hogs (44 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for soft commodities. Soybean Meal (34 percent), Live Cattle (33 percent) and Soybeans (31 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

Coffee (-4 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently and is the only market with a negative trend.

Strength Trend Statistics:
Corn (23.5 percent) vs Corn previous week (20.1 percent)
Sugar (19.5 percent) vs Sugar previous week (38.8 percent)
Coffee (-4.1 percent) vs Coffee previous week (3.6 percent)
Soybeans (31.4 percent) vs Soybeans previous week (24.8 percent)
Soybean Oil (49.3 percent) vs Soybean Oil previous week (50.8 percent)
Soybean Meal (34.0 percent) vs Soybean Meal previous week (37.1 percent)
Live Cattle (33.4 percent) vs Live Cattle previous week (18.6 percent)
Lean Hogs (43.6 percent) vs Lean Hogs previous week (39.6 percent)
Cotton (16.5 percent) vs Cotton previous week (21.2 percent)
Cocoa (9.9 percent) vs Cocoa previous week (10.7 percent)
Wheat (13.8 percent) vs Wheat previous week (14.1 percent)

Individual Soft Commodities Markets:

CORN Futures:

The CORN large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 36,071 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 43,264 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -7,193 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 38.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 65.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 32.9 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Downtrend.

CORN Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	21.7	44.9	8.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	19.2	43.5	12.3
– Net Position:	36,071	20,228	-56,299
– Gross Longs:	323,640	670,624	127,234
– Gross Shorts:	287,569	650,396	183,533
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.1 to 1	1.0 to 1	0.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	38.5	65.2	32.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	23.5	-20.6	-39.5

SUGAR Futures:

The SUGAR large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 103,086 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -26,375 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 129,461 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 37.8 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 56.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 67.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

SUGAR Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	28.8	47.8	10.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	15.9	65.2	5.6
– Net Position:	103,086	-139,667	36,581
– Gross Longs:	230,158	382,030	81,111
– Gross Shorts:	127,072	521,697	44,530
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.8 to 1	0.7 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	37.8	56.3	67.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	19.5	-24.9	41.0

COFFEE Futures:

The COFFEE large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 62,715 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -5,098 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 67,813 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 87.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 12.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 71.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend.

COFFEE Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	36.2	39.8	4.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	6.6	71.1	2.4
– Net Position:	62,715	-66,254	3,539
– Gross Longs:	76,743	84,209	8,621
– Gross Shorts:	14,028	150,463	5,082
– Long to Short Ratio:	5.5 to 1	0.6 to 1	1.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	87.0	12.2	71.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-4.1	4.1	-1.2

SOYBEANS Futures:

The SOYBEANS large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -51,186 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 22,511 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -73,697 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 34.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 69.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 27.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Downtrend.

SOYBEANS Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	16.4	59.9	5.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	22.2	50.4	9.0
– Net Position:	-51,186	83,915	-32,729
– Gross Longs:	144,361	528,197	46,489
– Gross Shorts:	195,547	444,282	79,218
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.7 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	34.5	69.5	27.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	31.4	-28.5	-47.0

SOYBEAN OIL Futures:

The SOYBEAN OIL large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 60,259 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 10,065 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 50,194 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 74.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 32.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 21.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

SOYBEAN OIL Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	29.0	48.2	5.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	17.4	60.1	5.5
– Net Position:	60,259	-62,043	1,784
– Gross Longs:	150,758	250,162	30,403
– Gross Shorts:	90,499	312,205	28,619
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.7 to 1	0.8 to 1	1.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	74.4	32.3	21.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	49.3	-43.6	-7.0

SOYBEAN MEAL Futures:

The SOYBEAN MEAL large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 99,847 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -4,175 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 104,022 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 68.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 27.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 81.5 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Downtrend.

SOYBEAN MEAL Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	28.9	40.9	9.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	11.0	63.8	4.8
– Net Position:	99,847	-127,797	27,950
– Gross Longs:	160,991	227,883	54,493
– Gross Shorts:	61,144	355,680	26,543
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.6 to 1	0.6 to 1	2.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	68.4	27.1	81.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	34.0	-35.7	33.3

LIVE CATTLE Futures:

The LIVE CATTLE large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 64,760 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 11,909 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 52,851 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 48.8 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 66.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 0.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

LIVE CATTLE Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	40.2	34.5	7.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	19.9	48.9	13.7
– Net Position:	64,760	-45,798	-18,962
– Gross Longs:	128,051	110,049	24,596
– Gross Shorts:	63,291	155,847	43,558
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.0 to 1	0.7 to 1	0.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	48.8	66.3	0.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	33.4	-29.4	-32.3

LEAN HOGS Futures:

The LEAN HOGS large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 33,305 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 14,156 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 19,149 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 67.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 31.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 59.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Downtrend.

LEAN HOGS Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	42.1	34.0	7.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	30.8	43.6	9.1
– Net Position:	33,305	-28,030	-5,275
– Gross Longs:	123,646	99,845	21,505
– Gross Shorts:	90,341	127,875	26,780
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.4 to 1	0.8 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	67.1	31.0	59.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	43.6	-48.2	-6.5

COTTON Futures:

The COTTON large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -11,641 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -1,553 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -10,088 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 22.3 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 77.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 23.9 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

COTTON Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	25.3	49.4	5.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	30.1	45.1	5.2
– Net Position:	-11,641	10,404	1,237
– Gross Longs:	61,941	120,801	14,048
– Gross Shorts:	73,582	110,397	12,811
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.1 to 1	1.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	22.3	77.4	23.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	16.5	-16.1	11.7

COCOA Futures:

The COCOA large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 39,936 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 558 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 39,378 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 50.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 45.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 71.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Downtrend.

COCOA Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	39.6	31.8	8.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	10.5	65.9	3.0
– Net Position:	39,936	-46,917	6,981
– Gross Longs:	54,387	43,661	11,054
– Gross Shorts:	14,451	90,578	4,073
– Long to Short Ratio:	3.8 to 1	0.5 to 1	2.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	50.7	45.0	71.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	9.9	-9.5	-2.4

WHEAT Futures:

The WHEAT large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -13,498 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -7,366 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -6,132 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 60.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 40.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 23.8 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

WHEAT Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	28.3	35.4	7.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	31.8	30.4	9.4
– Net Position:	-13,498	19,744	-6,246
– Gross Longs:	111,760	139,482	30,672
– Gross Shorts:	125,258	119,738	36,918
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.9 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	60.4	40.0	23.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	13.8	-12.3	-16.3

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

COT Updates Financial News Soft Commodities

12 Oct

COT Stock Market Charts: Speculator Bets led by MSCI EAFE-Mini & VIX

By InvestMacro

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday October 8th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by MSCI EAFE-Mini & VIX

The COT stock markets speculator bets were overall lower this week as two out of the seven stock markets we cover had higher positioning while the other five markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the stock markets was the VIX (12,869 contracts) and with the MSCI EAFE-Mini (638 contracts) also showing a positive week.

The markets with the declines in speculator bets this week were the Russell-Mini (-15,342 contracts), the S&P500-Mini (-13,189 contracts), the Nasdaq-Mini (-2,784 contracts), the DowJones-Mini (-2,764 contracts) and with the Nikkei 225 (-498 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week.

Stock Market Net Speculators Leaderboard

Legend: Weekly Speculators Change | Speculators Current Net Position | Speculators Strength Score compared to last 3-Years (0-100 range)

Strength Scores led by VIX & Russell-Mini

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that the VIX (100 percent) and the Russell-Mini (88 percent) lead the stock markets this week. The DowJones-Mini (84 percent) and the S&P500-Mini (64 percent) come in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, the MSCI EAFE-Mini (38 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently.

Strength Statistics:
VIX (100.0 percent) vs VIX previous week (87.5 percent)
S&P500-Mini (63.9 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (65.9 percent)
DowJones-Mini (83.5 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (88.0 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (59.8 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (64.1 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (88.1 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (98.9 percent)
Nikkei USD (59.2 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (63.4 percent)
EAFE-Mini (38.4 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (37.7 percent)

VIX & Russell-Mini top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the VIX (27 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for the stock markets. The Russell-Mini (14 percent), the S&P500-Mini (11 percent) and the DowJones-Mini (10 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

The Nasdaq-Mini (-13 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with the Nikkei USD (-6 percent) coming in as the next market with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
VIX (26.6 percent) vs VIX previous week (8.4 percent)
S&P500-Mini (11.4 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (13.8 percent)
DowJones-Mini (9.6 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (16.8 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (-12.6 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (7.3 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (14.3 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (33.5 percent)
Nikkei USD (-6.3 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (16.2 percent)
EAFE-Mini (5.8 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (10.3 percent)

Individual Stock Market Charts:

VIX Volatility Futures:

The VIX Volatility large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -3,008 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 12,869 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -15,877 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 0.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 79.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

VIX Volatility Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	28.4	40.1	7.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	29.3	38.8	8.2
– Net Position:	-3,008	4,478	-1,470
– Gross Longs:	96,893	136,562	26,327
– Gross Shorts:	99,901	132,084	27,797
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.0 to 1	1.0 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	100.0	0.0	79.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	26.6	-24.0	-10.0

S&P500 Mini Futures:

The S&P500 Mini large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -5,644 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -13,189 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 7,545 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 63.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 27.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 86.5 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

S&P500 Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	15.1	71.0	12.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	15.4	75.1	8.0
– Net Position:	-5,644	-87,667	93,311
– Gross Longs:	322,686	1,514,535	263,087
– Gross Shorts:	328,330	1,602,202	169,776
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.0 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	63.9	27.8	86.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	11.4	-8.1	-8.2

Dow Jones Mini Futures:

The Dow Jones Mini large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 14,286 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -2,764 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 17,050 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 83.5 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 15.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 63.9 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Dow Jones Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	24.3	57.5	16.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	7.4	76.2	14.4
– Net Position:	14,286	-15,843	1,557
– Gross Longs:	20,585	48,713	13,762
– Gross Shorts:	6,299	64,556	12,205
– Long to Short Ratio:	3.3 to 1	0.8 to 1	1.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	83.5	15.2	63.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	9.6	-7.8	-3.2

Nasdaq Mini Futures:

The Nasdaq Mini large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 13,295 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -2,784 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 16,079 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 59.8 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 25.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 76.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Nasdaq Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	22.8	56.8	15.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	17.5	66.7	11.1
– Net Position:	13,295	-24,754	11,459
– Gross Longs:	57,058	141,994	39,326
– Gross Shorts:	43,763	166,748	27,867
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.3 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	59.8	25.4	76.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-12.6	12.5	-6.3

Russell 2000 Mini Futures:

The Russell 2000 Mini large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 5,007 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -15,342 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 20,349 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 88.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 11.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 74.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend.

Russell 2000 Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	17.8	72.7	7.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	16.6	76.9	4.1
– Net Position:	5,007	-18,479	13,472
– Gross Longs:	78,784	322,420	31,844
– Gross Shorts:	73,777	340,899	18,372
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.1 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	88.1	11.2	74.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	14.3	-11.3	-7.2

Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures:

The Nikkei Stock Average (USD) large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -2,464 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -498 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,966 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 59.2 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 37.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 60.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Nikkei Stock Average Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	2.0	70.2	27.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	24.7	55.7	19.5
– Net Position:	-2,464	1,576	888
– Gross Longs:	221	7,620	3,008
– Gross Shorts:	2,685	6,044	2,120
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.1 to 1	1.3 to 1	1.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	59.2	37.5	60.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-6.3	4.8	1.0

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures:

The MSCI EAFE Mini large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -28,274 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 638 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -28,912 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 38.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 59.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 46.8 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	7.8	89.0	3.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	14.7	83.6	1.5
– Net Position:	-28,274	22,292	5,982
– Gross Longs:	31,695	363,803	12,173
– Gross Shorts:	59,969	341,511	6,191
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.5 to 1	1.1 to 1	2.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	38.4	59.3	46.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	5.8	-4.0	-7.6

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

COT Updates Financial News Stock Market News

29 Sep

US Dollar Index Speculator bets drop for 2nd week to lowest since April

By InvestMacro

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday September 24th and shows a quick view of how large market participants (for-profit speculators and commercial traders) were positioned in the futures markets. All currency positions are in direct relation to the US dollar where, for example, a bet for the euro is a bet that the euro will rise versus the dollar while a bet against the euro will be a bet that the euro will decline versus the dollar.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by Australian Dollar & British Pound

The COT currency market speculator bets were higher this week as seven out of the eleven currency markets we cover had higher positioning while the other four markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the currency markets was the Australian Dollar (28,874 contracts) with the British Pound (24,013 contracts), the Japanese Yen (9,171 contracts), the Canadian Dollar (7,561 contracts), the Mexican Peso (4,703 contracts), the EuroFX (2,052 contracts) and the New Zealand Dollar (432 contracts) recording positive weeks.

The currencies seeing declines in speculator bets on the week were the Brazilian Real (-4,956 contracts), the Swiss Franc (-2,182 contracts), the US Dollar Index (-839 contracts) and with Bitcoin (-573 contracts) round out the lower bets on the week.

US Dollar Index Speculator bets drop for 2nd week to lowest since April

Highlighting the COT currency’s data this week is the decline of the speculator’s positioning in the US Dollar Index. The large speculative US Dollar Index positions declined for a second straight week and for sixth time out of the past ten weeks this week. This recent weakness has brought the US Dollar Index speculator net position (currently at just a total of +959 contracts) to the lowest level since April 30th, a span of 21 weeks.

The Dollar Index has been under pressure with the US Federal Reserve reducing interest rates by 50 basis points at the last central bank meeting to bring the current rate to a range of 4.75-5.00 percent. The CME Fedwatch tool shows at the current time, there is a 53.3 percent probability outlook that the Fed will cut the rate by another 50 basis points at the November 7th meeting while there is a 46.7 percent probability outlook of a 25 basis point reduction.

The US Dollar Index is currently at significant price levels and closed this week at 100.11. The 100.00 level has been a major support and resistance level in the past and also coincides with the 200-week moving average which is currently right around the 100.40 level. The Dollar Index has not traded consistently below the 200-week MA since 2021. A break below the 100.00 would see the 99.00 level come immediately into play which is also where the 61.8 Fibonacci retracement support level resides (from the January 2021 bottom to September 2022 high). Needless to say, these will likely be some important weeks coming for the USD and its future direction.

Currencies Net Speculators Leaderboard

Legend: Weekly Speculators Change | Speculators Current Net Position | Speculators Strength Score compared to last 3-Years (0-100 range)

*COT Report: The COT data, released weekly to the public each Friday, is updated through the most recent Tuesday (data is 3 days old) and shows a quick view of how large speculators or non-commercials (for-profit traders) were positioned in the futures markets.
The CFTC categorizes trader positions according to commercial hedgers (traders who use futures contracts for hedging as part of the business), non-commercials (large speculators) and nonreportable traders (usually small traders/speculators) as well as their open interest (contracts open in the market at time of reporting). CFTC criteria here.

Strength Scores led by Japanese Yen & Australian Dollar

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that the Japanese Yen (100 percent) and the Australian Dollar (81 percent) lead the currency markets this week. The British Pound (75 percent), Swiss Franc (62 percent) and the Canadian Dollar (59 percent) come in as the next highest in the 3-Year strength scores.

On the downside, the US Dollar Index (6 percent) and the Brazilian Real (17 percent) come in at the lowest strength levels currently and are in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent). The next lowest strength scores are the Mexican Peso (38 percent) and the New Zealand Dollar (38 percent).

3-Year Strength Statistics:
US Dollar Index (6.1 percent) vs US Dollar Index previous week (7.9 percent)
EuroFX (50.8 percent) vs EuroFX previous week (50.0 percent)
British Pound Sterling (75.2 percent) vs British Pound Sterling previous week (64.4 percent)
Japanese Yen (100.0 percent) vs Japanese Yen previous week (96.3 percent)
Swiss Franc (61.8 percent) vs Swiss Franc previous week (66.2 percent)
Canadian Dollar (58.6 percent) vs Canadian Dollar previous week (55.2 percent)
Australian Dollar (81.2 percent) vs Australian Dollar previous week (56.8 percent)
New Zealand Dollar (38.1 percent) vs New Zealand Dollar previous week (37.3 percent)
Mexican Peso (37.6 percent) vs Mexican Peso previous week (35.3 percent)
Brazilian Real (16.7 percent) vs Brazilian Real previous week (21.4 percent)
Bitcoin (43.1 percent) vs Bitcoin previous week (51.8 percent)

Canadian Dollar & New Zealand Dollar top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the Canadian Dollar (51 percent) and the New Zealand Dollar (27 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for the currencies. The Australian Dollar (26 percent), the EuroFX (19 percent) and the British Pound (18 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

The US Dollar Index (-37 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with Bitcoin (-29 percent) and the Mexican Peso (-18 percent) following next with lower trend scores.

3-Year Strength Trends:
US Dollar Index (-37.5 percent) vs US Dollar Index previous week (-30.6 percent)
EuroFX (19.0 percent) vs EuroFX previous week (15.4 percent)
British Pound Sterling (17.6 percent) vs British Pound Sterling previous week (-5.1 percent)
Japanese Yen (17.1 percent) vs Japanese Yen previous week (27.3 percent)
Swiss Franc (4.8 percent) vs Swiss Franc previous week (10.1 percent)
Canadian Dollar (51.1 percent) vs Canadian Dollar previous week (48.6 percent)
Australian Dollar (26.4 percent) vs Australian Dollar previous week (0.1 percent)
New Zealand Dollar (27.2 percent) vs New Zealand Dollar previous week (28.6 percent)
Mexican Peso (-18.5 percent) vs Mexican Peso previous week (-28.3 percent)
Brazilian Real (15.7 percent) vs Brazilian Real previous week (21.4 percent)
Bitcoin (-29.2 percent) vs Bitcoin previous week (-22.7 percent)

Individual COT Forex Markets:

US Dollar Index Futures:

The US Dollar Index large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 959 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -839 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 1,798 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 6.1 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 3.8 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Downtrend.

US DOLLAR INDEX Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	61.1	25.5	7.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	57.6	22.1	14.6
– Net Position:	959	899	-1,858
– Gross Longs:	16,524	6,885	2,097
– Gross Shorts:	15,565	5,986	3,955
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.1 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	6.1	100.0	3.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-37.5	37.0	-4.5

Euro Currency Futures:

The Euro Currency large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 71,698 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 2,052 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 69,646 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 50.8 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 47.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 63.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

EURO Currency Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	27.6	55.9	12.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	17.1	72.5	6.8
– Net Position:	71,698	-112,828	41,130
– Gross Longs:	187,795	379,577	87,312
– Gross Shorts:	116,097	492,405	46,182
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.6 to 1	0.8 to 1	1.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	50.8	47.0	63.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	19.0	-22.0	32.1

British Pound Sterling Futures:

The British Pound Sterling large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 86,992 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 24,013 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 62,979 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 75.2 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 19.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 98.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

BRITISH POUND Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	61.7	20.8	16.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	27.2	62.3	9.4
– Net Position:	86,992	-104,383	17,391
– Gross Longs:	155,325	52,374	40,935
– Gross Shorts:	68,333	156,757	23,544
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.3 to 1	0.3 to 1	1.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	75.2	19.9	98.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	17.6	-18.3	14.4

Japanese Yen Futures:

The Japanese Yen large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 66,011 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 9,171 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 56,840 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 0.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 91.5 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

JAPANESE YEN Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	50.4	28.2	19.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	18.6	65.5	14.2
– Net Position:	66,011	-77,508	11,497
– Gross Longs:	104,690	58,606	40,901
– Gross Shorts:	38,679	136,114	29,404
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.7 to 1	0.4 to 1	1.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	100.0	0.0	91.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	17.1	-19.8	26.8

Swiss Franc Futures:

The Swiss Franc large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -19,290 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -2,182 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -17,108 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 61.8 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 34.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 67.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

SWISS FRANC Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	12.4	64.1	22.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	44.1	28.8	25.9
– Net Position:	-19,290	21,396	-2,106
– Gross Longs:	7,501	38,884	13,588
– Gross Shorts:	26,791	17,488	15,694
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	2.2 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	61.8	34.4	67.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	4.8	-8.0	11.5

Canadian Dollar Futures:

The Canadian Dollar large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -65,589 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 7,561 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -73,150 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 58.6 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 40.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 48.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

CANADIAN DOLLAR Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	11.9	71.8	14.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	42.6	43.8	12.0
– Net Position:	-65,589	59,746	5,843
– Gross Longs:	25,305	153,065	31,425
– Gross Shorts:	90,894	93,319	25,582
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.6 to 1	1.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	58.6	40.8	48.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	51.1	-49.9	21.2

Australian Dollar Futures:

The Australian Dollar large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -11,248 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 28,874 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -40,122 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 81.2 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 16.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 97.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	46.4	33.1	19.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	52.8	35.8	10.9
– Net Position:	-11,248	-4,644	15,892
– Gross Longs:	81,924	58,488	35,139
– Gross Shorts:	93,172	63,132	19,247
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.9 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	81.2	16.0	97.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	26.4	-36.5	60.0

New Zealand Dollar Futures:

The New Zealand Dollar large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -1,458 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 432 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,890 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 38.1 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 53.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 83.8 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	48.0	41.4	10.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	50.7	43.1	6.2
– Net Position:	-1,458	-928	2,386
– Gross Longs:	26,475	22,853	5,792
– Gross Shorts:	27,933	23,781	3,406
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.9 to 1	1.0 to 1	1.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	38.1	53.9	83.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	27.2	-32.4	45.4

Mexican Peso Futures:

The Mexican Peso large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 12,426 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 4,703 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 7,723 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 37.6 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 63.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 7.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Downtrend.

MEXICAN PESO Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	38.1	56.9	3.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	28.9	65.0	4.2
– Net Position:	12,426	-10,852	-1,574
– Gross Longs:	51,480	76,816	4,127
– Gross Shorts:	39,054	87,668	5,701
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.3 to 1	0.9 to 1	0.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	37.6	63.7	7.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-18.5	18.1	-1.1

Brazilian Real Futures:

The Brazilian Real large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -37,262 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -4,956 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -32,306 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 16.7 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 83.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 23.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

BRAZIL REAL Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	20.1	73.4	4.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	74.4	19.8	3.5
– Net Position:	-37,262	36,777	485
– Gross Longs:	13,840	50,396	2,883
– Gross Shorts:	51,102	13,619	2,398
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	3.7 to 1	1.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	16.7	83.7	23.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	15.7	-16.3	4.9

Bitcoin Futures:

The Bitcoin large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -1,546 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -573 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -973 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 43.1 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 92.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 23.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

BITCOIN Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	78.1	6.7	4.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	83.2	3.1	3.2
– Net Position:	-1,546	1,093	453
– Gross Longs:	23,856	2,033	1,433
– Gross Shorts:	25,402	940	980
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.9 to 1	2.2 to 1	1.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	43.1	92.5	23.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-29.2	45.0	3.9

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

COT Updates Forex and Currency News Opinions

28 Sep

COT Metals Charts: Speculator bets led higher by Copper & Gold

By InvestMacro

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday September 24th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by Copper & Gold

The COT metals markets speculator bets were strongly higher this week as all six metals markets we cover had higher positioning.

Leading the gains for the metals was Copper (13,448 contracts) with Gold (5,324 contracts), Silver (3,900 contracts), Platinum (2,423 contracts), Palladium (267 contracts) and Steel (137 contracts) rounding out the positive weeks.

*COT Report: The COT data, released weekly to the public each Friday, is updated through the most recent Tuesday (data is 3 days old) and shows a quick view of how large speculators or non-commercials (for-profit traders) were positioned in the futures markets.
The CFTC categorizes trader positions according to commercial hedgers (traders who use futures contracts for hedging as part of the business), non-commercials (large traders who speculate to realize trading profits) and nonreportable traders (usually small traders/speculators) as well as their open interest (contracts open in the market at time of reporting).

Metals Net Speculators Leaderboard

Legend: Weekly Speculators Change | Speculators Current Net Position | Speculators Strength Score compared to last 3-Years (0-100 range)

Strength Scores led by Gold & Silver

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that Gold (100 percent) and Silver (100 percent) lead the metals markets this week. Platinum (83 percent) and Steel (82 percent) come in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

Palladium (53 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently.

Strength Statistics:
Gold (100.0 percent) vs Gold previous week (98.0 percent)
Silver (100.0 percent) vs Silver previous week (94.8 percent)
Copper (64.1 percent) vs Copper previous week (51.6 percent)
Platinum (83.2 percent) vs Platinum previous week (76.7 percent)
Palladium (52.6 percent) vs Palladium previous week (50.7 percent)
Steel (81.9 percent) vs Palladium previous week (81.3 percent)

Palladium & Platinum top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that Palladium (40 percent) and Platinum (33 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for metals. Silver (23 percent), Gold (18 percent) and Copper (16 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data with Steel (8 percent) also showing a positive trend.

Move Statistics:
Gold (18.3 percent) vs Gold previous week (27.1 percent)
Silver (22.6 percent) vs Silver previous week (12.3 percent)
Copper (16.1 percent) vs Copper previous week (0.1 percent)
Platinum (33.3 percent) vs Platinum previous week (31.2 percent)
Palladium (40.3 percent) vs Palladium previous week (45.8 percent)
Steel (8.1 percent) vs Steel previous week (7.5 percent)

Individual Markets:

Gold Comex Futures:

The Gold Comex Futures large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 315,390 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 5,324 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 310,066 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 0.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 58.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Gold Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	68.6	13.6	9.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	12.8	73.7	5.2
– Net Position:	315,390	-339,706	24,316
– Gross Longs:	387,572	76,713	53,444
– Gross Shorts:	72,182	416,419	29,128
– Long to Short Ratio:	5.4 to 1	0.2 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	100.0	0.0	58.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	18.3	-17.0	-3.3

Silver Comex Futures:

The Silver Comex Futures large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 62,198 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 3,900 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 58,298 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 3.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 65.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

Silver Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	54.0	19.6	20.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	12.5	74.1	6.9
– Net Position:	62,198	-81,832	19,634
– Gross Longs:	81,029	29,339	30,059
– Gross Shorts:	18,831	111,171	10,425
– Long to Short Ratio:	4.3 to 1	0.3 to 1	2.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	100.0	3.3	65.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	22.6	-16.8	-9.0

Copper Grade #1 Futures:

The Copper Grade #1 Futures large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 33,130 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 13,448 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 19,682 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 64.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 36.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 57.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

Copper Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	42.6	30.8	8.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	27.9	48.3	5.8
– Net Position:	33,130	-39,627	6,497
– Gross Longs:	96,262	69,639	19,602
– Gross Shorts:	63,132	109,266	13,105
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.5 to 1	0.6 to 1	1.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	64.1	36.3	57.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	16.1	-13.1	-12.8

Platinum Futures:

The Platinum Futures large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 24,401 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 2,423 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 21,978 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 83.2 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 12.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 43.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

Platinum Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	61.3	20.9	12.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	28.9	60.2	5.2
– Net Position:	24,401	-29,540	5,139
– Gross Longs:	46,103	15,715	9,020
– Gross Shorts:	21,702	45,255	3,881
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.1 to 1	0.3 to 1	2.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	83.2	12.8	43.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	33.3	-29.1	-24.0

Palladium Futures:

The Palladium Futures large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of -6,733 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 267 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -7,000 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 52.6 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 51.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 38.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Palladium Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	30.9	55.7	9.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	66.4	20.8	9.2
– Net Position:	-6,733	6,631	102
– Gross Longs:	5,867	10,572	1,856
– Gross Shorts:	12,600	3,941	1,754
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.5 to 1	2.7 to 1	1.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	52.6	51.3	38.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	40.3	-36.0	-21.5

Steel Futures Futures:

The Steel Futures large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of -3,786 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 137 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -3,923 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 81.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 18.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 43.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

Steel Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	15.1	73.0	1.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	29.0	59.5	1.0
– Net Position:	-3,786	3,686	100
– Gross Longs:	4,111	19,891	385
– Gross Shorts:	7,897	16,205	285
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.5 to 1	1.2 to 1	1.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	81.9	18.7	43.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	8.1	-8.8	18.2

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

COT Updates Financial News Metals

28 Sep

COT Bonds Charts: Speculator bets led by 10-Year & 5-Year Bonds

By InvestMacro

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) reports data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday September 24th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial hedgers) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by 10-Year & 5-Year Bonds

The COT bond market speculator bets were higher this week as seven out of the nine bond markets we cover had higher positioning while the other two markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the bond markets was the 10-Year Bonds (68,748 contracts) with the 5-Year Bonds (39,428 contracts), the SOFR 1-Month (37,194 contracts), the Fed Funds (37,053 contracts), the SOFR 3-Months (26,227 contracts), the Ultra 10-Year Bonds (7,961 contracts) and the Ultra Treasury Bonds (7,924 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The bond markets with declines in speculator bets for the week were the US Treasury Bonds (-42,871 contracts) and the 2-Year Bonds (-20,140 contracts).

*COT Report: The COT data, released weekly to the public each Friday, is updated through the most recent Tuesday (data is 3 days old) and shows a quick view of how large speculators or non-commercials (for-profit traders) were positioned in the futures markets.
The CFTC categorizes trader positions according to commercial hedgers (traders who use futures contracts for hedging as part of the business), non-commercials (large traders who speculate to realize trading profits) and nonreportable traders (usually small traders/speculators) as well as their open interest (contracts open in the market at time of reporting). See CFTC criteria here.

Bonds Net Speculators Leaderboard

Legend: Weekly Speculators Change | Speculators Current Net Position | Speculators Strength Score compared to last 3-Years (0-100 range)

Strength Scores led by Fed Funds & SOFR 3-Months

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that the Fed Funds (100 percent) and the SOFR 3-Months (96 percent) lead the bond markets this week. The Ultra Treasury Bonds (88 percent) comes in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, the 10-Year Bond (6 percent) and the 5-Year Bonds (11 percent) come in at the lowest strength level currently and are in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent). The next lowest strength scores were the 2-Year Bonds (27 percent), the SOFR 1-Month (29 percent) and the US Treasury Bonds (30 percent).

Strength Statistics:
Fed Funds (100.0 percent) vs Fed Funds previous week (92.8 percent)
2-Year Bond (27.5 percent) vs 2-Year Bond previous week (28.7 percent)
5-Year Bond (11.2 percent) vs 5-Year Bond previous week (8.8 percent)
10-Year Bond (5.5 percent) vs 10-Year Bond previous week (0.0 percent)
Ultra 10-Year Bond (50.1 percent) vs Ultra 10-Year Bond previous week (48.4 percent)
US Treasury Bond (30.3 percent) vs US Treasury Bond previous week (45.3 percent)
Ultra US Treasury Bond (87.9 percent) vs Ultra US Treasury Bond previous week (84.2 percent)
SOFR 1-Month (28.5 percent) vs SOFR 1-Month previous week (18.7 percent)
SOFR 3-Months (96.1 percent) vs SOFR 3-Months previous week (94.7 percent)

Fed Funds & Ultra Treasury Bonds top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the Fed Funds (60 percent) and the Ultra Treasury Bonds (38 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for bonds. The Ultra 10-Year Bonds (24 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

The US Treasury Bond (-44 percent) and the SOFR 1-Month (-42 percent) lead the downside trend scores currently with the 10-Year Bonds (-13 percent) following next with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
Fed Funds (60.0 percent) vs Fed Funds previous week (50.8 percent)
2-Year Bond (3.7 percent) vs 2-Year Bond previous week (5.0 percent)
5-Year Bond (8.6 percent) vs 5-Year Bond previous week (5.8 percent)
10-Year Bond (-13.2 percent) vs 10-Year Bond previous week (-25.4 percent)
Ultra 10-Year Bond (23.5 percent) vs Ultra 10-Year Bond previous week (24.7 percent)
US Treasury Bond (-44.0 percent) vs US Treasury Bond previous week (-18.1 percent)
Ultra US Treasury Bond (38.3 percent) vs Ultra US Treasury Bond previous week (47.3 percent)
SOFR 1-Month (-42.1 percent) vs SOFR 1-Month previous week (-45.7 percent)
SOFR 3-Months (12.8 percent) vs SOFR 3-Months previous week (15.5 percent)

30-Day Federal Funds Futures:

The 30-Day Federal Funds large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 215,860 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 37,053 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 178,807 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 0.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 50.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Downtrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Short Position.

30-Day Federal Funds Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	22.2	51.8	1.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	12.7	60.4	2.2
– Net Position:	215,860	-196,844	-19,016
– Gross Longs:	506,691	1,182,918	30,705
– Gross Shorts:	290,831	1,379,762	49,721
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.7 to 1	0.9 to 1	0.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	100.0	0.0	50.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	60.0	-57.9	-16.0

Secured Overnight Financing Rate (3-Month) Futures:

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (3-Month) large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 692,822 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 26,227 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 666,595 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 96.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 3.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 88.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

SOFR 3-Months Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	19.0	52.7	0.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	12.7	59.0	0.3
– Net Position:	692,822	-693,686	864
– Gross Longs:	2,075,175	5,741,888	33,659
– Gross Shorts:	1,382,353	6,435,574	32,795
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.5 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	96.1	3.7	88.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	12.8	-12.8	-0.4

Individual Bond Markets:

Secured Overnight Financing Rate (1-Month) Futures:

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (1-Month) large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -143,333 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 37,194 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -180,527 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 28.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 71.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 51.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

SOFR 1-Month Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	16.2	61.6	0.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	26.8	50.9	0.1
– Net Position:	-143,333	143,950	-617
– Gross Longs:	216,897	827,328	419
– Gross Shorts:	360,230	683,378	1,036
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.6 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	28.5	71.7	51.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-42.1	42.0	1.3

2-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 2-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -1,046,560 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -20,140 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,026,420 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 27.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 65.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 94.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

2-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	16.3	75.5	6.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	39.7	56.2	2.3
– Net Position:	-1,046,560	860,274	186,286
– Gross Longs:	730,128	3,375,823	288,592
– Gross Shorts:	1,776,688	2,515,549	102,306
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.4 to 1	1.3 to 1	2.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	27.5	65.1	94.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	3.7	-3.0	-5.3

5-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 5-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -1,554,432 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 39,428 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,593,860 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 11.2 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 85.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 98.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend.

5-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	9.1	82.4	7.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	33.3	62.0	3.6
– Net Position:	-1,554,432	1,311,411	243,021
– Gross Longs:	587,823	5,292,601	477,254
– Gross Shorts:	2,142,255	3,981,190	234,233
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.3 to 1	2.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	11.2	85.0	98.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	8.6	-11.4	-0.8

10-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 10-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -1,025,278 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 68,748 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,094,026 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 5.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 95.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 92.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend.

10-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	9.5	79.4	9.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	30.2	61.1	7.2
– Net Position:	-1,025,278	904,645	120,633
– Gross Longs:	467,828	3,925,429	476,178
– Gross Shorts:	1,493,106	3,020,784	355,545
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.3 to 1	1.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	5.5	95.0	92.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-13.2	24.2	-4.9

Ultra 10-Year Notes Futures:

The Ultra 10-Year Notes large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -37,679 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 7,961 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -45,640 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 50.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 31.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 78.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Ultra 10-Year Notes Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	15.7	73.1	10.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	17.5	68.6	13.3
– Net Position:	-37,679	95,760	-58,081
– Gross Longs:	333,430	1,551,322	224,447
– Gross Shorts:	371,109	1,455,562	282,528
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.9 to 1	1.1 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	50.1	31.1	78.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	23.5	-24.2	-13.9

US Treasury Bonds Futures:

The US Treasury Bonds large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -152,582 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -42,871 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -109,711 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 30.3 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 42.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 96.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend.

US Treasury Bonds Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	20.1	65.1	14.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	28.8	62.9	7.9
– Net Position:	-152,582	39,846	112,736
– Gross Longs:	353,820	1,143,670	251,077
– Gross Shorts:	506,402	1,103,824	138,341
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.7 to 1	1.0 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	30.3	42.4	96.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-44.0	38.4	8.6

Ultra US Treasury Bonds Futures:

The Ultra US Treasury Bonds large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -266,379 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 7,924 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -274,303 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 87.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 13.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 49.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend.

Ultra US Treasury Bonds Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	10.4	78.2	10.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	26.0	64.2	9.3
– Net Position:	-266,379	238,947	27,432
– Gross Longs:	178,425	1,337,926	186,442
– Gross Shorts:	444,804	1,098,979	159,010
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.4 to 1	1.2 to 1	1.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	87.9	13.1	49.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	38.3	-40.0	-3.7

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

Bonds COT Updates Financial News

28 Sep

COT Stock Market Charts: Speculator bets led by S&P500-Mini & Russell-Mini

By InvestMacro

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday September 24th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by S&P500-Mini & Russell-Mini

The COT stock markets speculator bets were higher this week as five out of the seven stock markets we cover had higher positioning while the other two markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the stock markets was the S&P500-Mini (87,195 contracts) with the Russell-Mini (18,921 contracts), the MSCI EAFE-Mini (5,043 contracts), the VIX (1,446 contracts) and the DowJones-Mini (822 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The markets with declines in speculator bets were the Nasdaq-Mini (-3,194 contracts) and the Nikkei 225 (-498 contracts) for the week.

Stock Market Net Speculators Leaderboard

Legend: Weekly Speculators Change | Speculators Current Net Position | Speculators Strength Score compared to last 3-Years (0-100 range)

Strength Scores led by VIX & Russell-Mini

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that the VIX (100 percent) and the Russell-Mini (100 percent) lead the stock markets this week. The DowJones-Mini (85 percent) and the Nasdaq-Mini (64 percent) come in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, the MSCI EAFE-Mini (30 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently.

Strength Statistics:
VIX (100.0 percent) vs VIX previous week (98.6 percent)
S&P500-Mini (59.4 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (46.4 percent)
DowJones-Mini (85.4 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (84.1 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (64.0 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (69.0 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (100.0 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (86.7 percent)
Nikkei USD (59.2 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (63.4 percent)
EAFE-Mini (30.5 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (25.1 percent)

Russell-Mini & DowJones-Mini top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the Russell-Mini (25 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for the stock markets. The DowJones-Mini (23 percent), the VIX (15 percent) and the Nasdaq-Mini (12 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

The Nikkei 225 (-6 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with the S&P500-Mini (-2 percent) coming in as the next market with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
VIX (15.0 percent) vs VIX previous week (36.6 percent)
S&P500-Mini (-1.8 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (-23.4 percent)
DowJones-Mini (23.1 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (11.8 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (11.7 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (10.3 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (24.8 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (3.9 percent)
Nikkei USD (-6.3 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (16.2 percent)
EAFE-Mini (2.6 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (-20.6 percent)

Individual Stock Market Charts:

VIX Volatility Futures:

The VIX Volatility large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -5,067 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 1,446 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -6,513 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 0.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 78.8 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend.

VIX Volatility Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	24.1	40.9	8.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	25.7	38.8	9.3
– Net Position:	-5,067	6,667	-1,600
– Gross Longs:	76,551	129,988	27,965
– Gross Shorts:	81,618	123,321	29,565
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.9 to 1	1.1 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	100.0	0.0	78.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	15.0	-11.4	-15.7

S&P500 Mini Futures:

The S&P500 Mini large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -35,753 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 87,195 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -122,948 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 59.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 31.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 87.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

S&P500 Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	14.2	71.6	12.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	15.9	74.5	7.9
– Net Position:	-35,753	-59,919	95,672
– Gross Longs:	289,938	1,464,276	256,340
– Gross Shorts:	325,691	1,524,195	160,668
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.9 to 1	1.0 to 1	1.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	59.4	31.6	87.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-1.8	-1.7	11.4

Dow Jones Mini Futures:

The Dow Jones Mini large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 15,436 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 822 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 14,614 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 85.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 10.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 75.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Dow Jones Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	26.5	55.0	17.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	8.9	76.5	13.1
– Net Position:	15,436	-18,853	3,417
– Gross Longs:	23,223	48,223	14,893
– Gross Shorts:	7,787	67,076	11,476
– Long to Short Ratio:	3.0 to 1	0.7 to 1	1.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	85.4	10.9	75.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	23.1	-21.9	5.3

Nasdaq Mini Futures:

The Nasdaq Mini large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 16,039 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -3,194 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 19,233 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 64.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 20.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 80.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Nasdaq Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	23.1	58.4	17.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	16.1	71.4	11.5
– Net Position:	16,039	-29,423	13,384
– Gross Longs:	52,615	133,114	39,603
– Gross Shorts:	36,576	162,537	26,219
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.4 to 1	0.8 to 1	1.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	64.0	20.2	80.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	11.7	-9.0	1.2

Russell 2000 Mini Futures:

The Russell 2000 Mini large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 21,907 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 18,921 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 2,986 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 0.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 78.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Russell 2000 Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	19.3	71.4	7.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	14.4	79.7	4.1
– Net Position:	21,907	-36,441	14,534
– Gross Longs:	85,342	315,752	32,545
– Gross Shorts:	63,435	352,193	18,011
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.3 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	100.0	0.0	78.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	24.8	-25.6	19.7

Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures:

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 59.2 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 37.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 60.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Nikkei Stock Average Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	2.0	70.2	27.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	24.7	55.7	19.5
– Net Position:	-2,464	1,576	888
– Gross Longs:	221	7,620	3,008
– Gross Shorts:	2,685	6,044	2,120
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.1 to 1	1.3 to 1	1.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	59.2	37.5	60.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-6.3	4.8	1.0

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures:

The MSCI EAFE Mini large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -35,707 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 5,043 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -40,750 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 30.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 64.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 60.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	6.7	89.8	3.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	15.4	83.2	1.2
– Net Position:	-35,707	26,947	8,760
– Gross Longs:	27,798	371,075	13,807
– Gross Shorts:	63,505	344,128	5,047
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.4 to 1	1.1 to 1	2.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	30.5	64.1	60.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	2.6	-5.6	14.7

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

COT Updates Financial News Stock Market News

28 Sep

COT Soft Commodities Charts: Speculator bets led by Sugar & Soybeans

By InvestMacro

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) reports data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday September 24th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by Sugar & Soybeans

The COT soft commodities markets speculator bets were strongly higher this week as ten out of the eleven softs markets we cover had higher positioning while the other one markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the softs markets was Sugar (43,133 contracts) with Soybeans (41,207 contracts), Soybean Oil (27,295 contracts), Soybean Meal (19,591 contracts), Lean Hogs (11,770 contracts), Cotton (9,974 contracts), Live Cattle (5,609 contracts), Cocoa (2,261 contracts), Wheat (2,099 contracts) and Corn (2,073 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The only market with a decline in speculator bets this week was Coffee (-1,609 contracts) which took a breather after hitting a nine-week high in speculator positioning last week.

*COT Report: The COT data, released weekly to the public each Friday, is updated through the most recent Tuesday (data is 3 days old) and shows a quick view of how large speculators or non-commercials (for-profit traders) were positioned in the futures markets.
The CFTC categorizes trader positions according to commercial hedgers (traders who use futures contracts for hedging as part of the business), non-commercials (large traders who speculate to realize trading profits) and nonreportable traders (usually small traders/speculators) as well as their open interest (contracts open in the market at time of reporting). See CFTC criteria here.

Soft Commodities Net Speculators Leaderboard

Legend: Weekly Speculators Change | Speculators Current Net Position | Speculators Strength Score compared to last 3-Years (0-100 range)

Strength Scores led by Coffee & Wheat

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that Coffee (93 percent) and Wheat (61 percent) lead the softs markets this week. Soybean Meal (53 percent), Soybean Oil (52 percent) and Cocoa (47 percent) come in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, Live Cattle (18 percent) and Cotton (18 percent) come in at the lowest strength levels currently and are in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent). The next lowest strength scores are the Soybeans (25 percent) and the Corn (26 percent).

Strength Statistics:
Corn (25.7 percent) vs Corn previous week (25.4 percent)
Sugar (42.1 percent) vs Sugar previous week (26.9 percent)
Coffee (92.7 percent) vs Coffee previous week (94.2 percent)
Soybeans (24.5 percent) vs Soybeans previous week (14.8 percent)
Soybean Oil (51.5 percent) vs Soybean Oil previous week (36.6 percent)
Soybean Meal (53.2 percent) vs Soybean Meal previous week (45.2 percent)
Live Cattle (17.9 percent) vs Live Cattle previous week (11.8 percent)
Lean Hogs (40.7 percent) vs Lean Hogs previous week (29.9 percent)
Cotton (17.8 percent) vs Cotton previous week (11.8 percent)
Cocoa (46.7 percent) vs Cocoa previous week (44.4 percent)
Wheat (61.4 percent) vs Wheat previous week (59.9 percent)

Soybean Oil & Lean Hogs top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that Soybean Oil (37 percent) and Lean Hogs (32 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for soft commodities. Sugar (29 percent), Soybean Meal (22 percent) and Wheat (19 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

Live Cattle (-0.1 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently and is the only negative trender.

Strength Trend Statistics:
Corn (11.4 percent) vs Corn previous week (10.9 percent)
Sugar (28.5 percent) vs Sugar previous week (16.4 percent)
Coffee (9.3 percent) vs Coffee previous week (10.6 percent)
Soybeans (17.1 percent) vs Soybeans previous week (5.8 percent)
Soybean Oil (37.1 percent) vs Soybean Oil previous week (22.0 percent)
Soybean Meal (21.9 percent) vs Soybean Meal previous week (0.1 percent)
Live Cattle (-0.1 percent) vs Live Cattle previous week (-15.9 percent)
Lean Hogs (31.9 percent) vs Lean Hogs previous week (16.6 percent)
Cotton (15.1 percent) vs Cotton previous week (9.3 percent)
Cocoa (5.9 percent) vs Cocoa previous week (2.7 percent)
Wheat (19.3 percent) vs Wheat previous week (18.9 percent)

Individual Soft Commodities Markets:

CORN Futures:

The CORN large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of -64,222 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 2,073 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -66,295 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 25.7 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 76.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 57.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Downtrend.

CORN Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	22.2	43.6	9.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	26.6	36.6	11.9
– Net Position:	-64,222	102,193	-37,971
– Gross Longs:	326,166	639,476	137,018
– Gross Shorts:	390,388	537,283	174,989
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	25.7	76.1	57.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	11.4	-10.1	-18.4

SUGAR Futures:

The SUGAR large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of 115,383 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 43,133 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 72,250 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 42.1 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 56.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 52.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

SUGAR Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	24.4	53.3	9.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	10.2	70.6	6.4
– Net Position:	115,383	-140,563	25,180
– Gross Longs:	197,713	431,724	76,902
– Gross Shorts:	82,330	572,287	51,722
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.4 to 1	0.8 to 1	1.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	42.1	56.1	52.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	28.5	-30.9	34.8

COFFEE Futures:

The COFFEE large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of 68,519 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -1,609 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 70,128 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 92.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 5.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 88.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

COFFEE Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	39.3	37.8	4.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	6.5	72.8	2.4
– Net Position:	68,519	-73,178	4,659
– Gross Longs:	82,101	78,942	9,615
– Gross Shorts:	13,582	152,120	4,956
– Long to Short Ratio:	6.0 to 1	0.5 to 1	1.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	92.7	5.5	88.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	9.3	-10.6	20.5

SOYBEANS Futures:

The SOYBEANS large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of -93,431 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 41,207 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -134,638 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 24.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 77.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 55.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

SOYBEANS Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	13.9	61.0	5.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	24.8	47.5	7.7
– Net Position:	-93,431	115,399	-21,968
– Gross Longs:	118,946	522,610	44,414
– Gross Shorts:	212,377	407,211	66,382
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.6 to 1	1.3 to 1	0.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	24.5	77.3	55.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	17.1	-16.3	-17.0

SOYBEAN OIL Futures:

The SOYBEAN OIL large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of 18,398 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 27,295 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -8,897 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 51.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 51.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 29.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Downtrend.

SOYBEAN OIL Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	26.4	49.6	5.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	23.0	53.8	4.7
– Net Position:	18,398	-22,416	4,018
– Gross Longs:	142,191	267,030	29,483
– Gross Shorts:	123,793	289,446	25,465
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.1 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	51.5	51.8	29.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	37.1	-34.5	8.0

SOYBEAN MEAL Futures:

The SOYBEAN MEAL large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of 62,879 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 19,591 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 43,288 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 53.2 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 43.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 61.5 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Downtrend.

SOYBEAN MEAL Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	25.8	44.1	9.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	13.9	60.5	4.9
– Net Position:	62,879	-86,397	23,518
– Gross Longs:	135,949	232,533	49,305
– Gross Shorts:	73,070	318,930	25,787
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.9 to 1	0.7 to 1	1.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	53.2	43.5	61.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	21.9	-23.3	23.6

LIVE CATTLE Futures:

The LIVE CATTLE large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of 36,107 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 5,609 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 30,498 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 17.9 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 95.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 13.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

LIVE CATTLE Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	35.1	35.9	8.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	23.6	42.8	12.8
– Net Position:	36,107	-21,714	-14,393
– Gross Longs:	110,464	112,852	25,895
– Gross Shorts:	74,357	134,566	40,288
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.5 to 1	0.8 to 1	0.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	17.9	95.5	13.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-0.1	3.1	-12.9

LEAN HOGS Futures:

The LEAN HOGS large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of 8,460 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 11,770 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -3,310 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 40.7 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 57.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 67.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Downtrend.

LEAN HOGS Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	38.0	36.5	7.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	34.9	38.3	9.0
– Net Position:	8,460	-4,952	-3,508
– Gross Longs:	104,863	100,861	21,438
– Gross Shorts:	96,403	105,813	24,946
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.1 to 1	1.0 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	40.7	57.0	67.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	31.9	-37.8	-1.4

COTTON Futures:

The COTTON large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of -16,388 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 9,974 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -26,362 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 17.8 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 81.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 27.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

COTTON Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	25.5	47.6	6.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	32.6	41.3	5.2
– Net Position:	-16,388	14,600	1,788
– Gross Longs:	58,681	109,728	13,821
– Gross Shorts:	75,069	95,128	12,033
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.2 to 1	1.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	17.8	81.2	27.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	15.1	-15.2	14.5

COCOA Futures:

The COCOA large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of 36,014 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 2,261 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 33,753 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 46.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 49.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 65.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Uptrend.

COCOA Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	36.0	34.4	7.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	11.6	63.0	3.1
– Net Position:	36,014	-42,210	6,196
– Gross Longs:	53,115	50,854	10,811
– Gross Shorts:	17,101	93,064	4,615
– Long to Short Ratio:	3.1 to 1	0.5 to 1	2.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	46.7	49.7	65.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	5.9	-6.5	6.2

WHEAT Futures:

The WHEAT large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of -12,090 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 2,099 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -14,189 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 61.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 38.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 31.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend.

WHEAT Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	33.7	35.7	8.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	37.1	30.9	10.0
– Net Position:	-12,090	17,154	-5,064
– Gross Longs:	121,819	128,935	31,023
– Gross Shorts:	133,909	111,781	36,087
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.9 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	61.4	38.1	31.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	19.3	-20.0	-2.4

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

COT Updates Financial News Soft Commodities

28 Sep

Speculator Extremes: Russell2000, VIX, Silver, Yen, Gold top Bullish Positions

By InvestMacro

The latest update for the weekly Commitment of Traders (COT) report was released by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on Friday for data ending on September 24th.

This weekly Extreme Positions report highlights the Most Bullish and Most Bearish Positions for the speculator category. Extreme positioning in these markets can foreshadow strong moves in the underlying market.

To signify an extreme position, we use the Strength Index (also known as the COT Index) of each instrument, a common method of measuring COT data. The Strength Index is simply a comparison of current trader positions against the range of positions over the previous 3 years. We use over 80 percent as extremely bullish and under 20 percent as extremely bearish. (Compare Strength Index scores across all markets in the data table or cot leaders table)

Here Are This Week’s Most Bullish Speculator Positions:

Russell 2000 Mini

The Russell 2000 Mini speculator position comes in as the most bullish extreme standing this week. The Russell 2000 Mini speculator level is currently at a 100.0 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the percent strength score totaled 24.8 this week. The overall net speculator position was a total of 21,907 net contracts this week with a gain of 18,921 contract in the weekly speculator bets.

Speculators or Non-Commercials Notes:
Speculators, classified as non-commercial traders by the CFTC, are made up of large commodity funds, hedge funds and other significant for-profit participants. The Specs are generally regarded as trend-followers in their behavior towards price action – net speculator bets and prices tend to go in the same directions. These traders often look to buy when prices are rising and sell when prices are falling. To illustrate this point, many times speculator contracts can be found at their most extremes (bullish or bearish) when prices are also close to their highest or lowest levels.
These extreme levels can be dangerous for the large speculators as the trade is most crowded, there is less trading ammunition still sitting on the sidelines to push the trend further and prices have moved a significant distance. When the trend becomes exhausted, some speculators take profits while others look to also exit positions when prices fail to continue in the same direction. This process usually plays out over many months to years and can ultimately create a reverse effect where prices start to fall and speculators start a process of selling when prices are falling.

VIX

The VIX speculator position comes at the top as well in the extreme standings this week. The VIX speculator level is now at a 100.0 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the percent strength score was 15.0 this week. The speculator position registered -5,067 net contracts this week with a weekly rise of 1,446 contracts in speculator bets.

Silver

The Silver speculator position comes in with a maximum score this week in the extreme standings. The Silver speculator level resides at a 100.0 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score came in at 22.6 this week. The overall speculator position was 62,198 net contracts this week with an increase by 3,900 contracts in the weekly speculator bets.

Japanese Yen

The Japanese Yen speculator position remains at the top of the extreme standings this week for multiple weeks in a row. The Japanese Yen speculator level is at a 100.0 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score totaled a change of 17.1 this week. The overall speculator position was 66,011 net contracts this week with an addition of 9,171 contracts in the speculator bets.

Gold

The Gold speculator position also is at the top in this week’s bullish extreme standings. The Gold speculator level sits at a 100.0 percent score of its 3-year range. The six-week trend for the speculator strength score was 18.3 this week.

The speculator position was 315,390 net contracts this week with an increase of 5,324 contracts in the weekly speculator bets.

This Week’s Most Bearish Speculator Positions:

Heating Oil

The Heating Oil speculator position comes in as the most bearish extreme standing this week. The Heating Oil speculator level is at a 0.0 percent or minimum position score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score was -43.7 this week. The overall speculator position was -14,807 net contracts this week with a dip of -1,422 contracts in the speculator bets.

10-Year Note

The 10-Year Note speculator position comes in next for the most bearish extreme standing on the week. The 10-Year Note speculator level is at a 5.5 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score was -13.2 this week. The speculator position was -1,025,278 net contracts this week with a boost of 68,748 contracts in the weekly speculator bets.

US Dollar Index

The US Dollar Index speculator position comes in as third most bearish extreme standing of the week. The US Dollar Index speculator level resides at a 6.1 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score was -37.5 this week. The overall speculator position was 959 net contracts this week with a reduction by -839 contracts in the speculator bets.

WTI Crude Oil

The WTI Crude Oil speculator position comes in as this week’s fourth most bearish extreme standing. The WTI Crude Oil speculator level is at a 6.9 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score was -25.0 this week. The speculator position was 158,597 net contracts this week with a rise of 13,269 contracts in the weekly speculator bets.

5-Year Bond

Finally, the 5-Year Bond speculator position comes in as the fifth most bearish extreme standing for this week. The 5-Year Bond speculator level is at a 11.2 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score was 8.6 this week. The speculator position was -1,554,432 net contracts this week with a gain of 39,428 contracts in the weekly speculator bets.

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

COT Updates Opinions

Risk Disclosure: Foreign Currency trading and trading on margin carries a high level of risk and can result in loss of part or all of your investment. Due to the level of risk and market volatility, Foreign Currency trading may not be suitable for all investors and you should not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Before deciding to invest in the foreign currency exchange market you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. You should be aware of all the risks associated with foreign currency exchange trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor should you have any doubts.

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