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Archive for Financial News – Page 294

The Fed will continue to aggressively raise interest rates. Russia has once again confirmed that it is a terrorist state

Federal Reserve officials expect another major interest rate hike this month as they rush to curb demand. Fed spokesman Chris Waller said Friday that he supports another significant 75 basis point hike. Earlier, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard said he is also leaning toward another massive move when officials meet September 20-21.

A growing number of major banks changed their forecasts this month by 75 from 50 basis points, including economists at Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Deutsche Bank AG, Barclays Plc, and Bank of America Corp.

At the close of the stock market on Friday, the Dow Jones Index (US30) increased by 1.19% (+1.09% for the week), and the S&P 500 Index (US500) added 1.53% (+1.82% for the week). Technology Index NASDAQ (US100) gained 0.27% (+4.72% for the week).

Equity markets in Europe were mostly up on Friday. German DAX (DE30) gained 1.43% (+2.03% for the week), French CAC 40 (FR40) gained 1.41% (+2.71% for the week), Spanish IBEX 35 (ES35) jumped by 1.47% (+2.95% for the week), British FTSE 100 (UK100) added 1.23% (+0.96% for the week).

Thousands of Russian troops retreated in the face of a lightning-fast Ukrainian offensive in the Kharkiv region that thwarted the Kremlin’s attempts to consolidate control over eastern Ukraine. The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank, now estimates about 2,500 square kilometers liberated. In response, Russia hit critical infrastructure with missiles and temporarily left several areas without power and water. Thus, Russia once again demonstrated that it is a terrorist state.

The EU countries failed to agree on a price limit for gas from Russia. The maximum price would be expected to be $520 per thousand cubic meters. However, the EU countries failed to reach an agreement. The gas price cap is the main emergency measure called for by the European Commission’s Energy Agency to help households and businesses with rising energy bills.

On Sunday, Britain rejected as false Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that only a small portion of the grain exported from Ukraine in an international deal was going to poor countries. Without citing a source, Putin said Wednesday that only two of the 87 ships carrying 60,000 tons of produce went to poor countries. Citing UN data, the UK Defense Department said that about 30% of the grain exported in the deal went to low and middle-income countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Thus, Putin has once again confirmed that he is a liar. According to a daily British intelligence bulletin, Russia is employing a deliberate strategy of disinformation to deflect blame for food security problems, discredit Ukraine, and minimize opposition to its invasion.

Gold prices rose slightly on Monday, maintaining last week’s slight gains, as the dollar retreated from a 20-year high ahead of this week’s release of key US inflation data. With fuel costs now declining, inflation could see new signs of cooling. This could give gold a temporary boost.

Asian markets traded higher last week. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) gained 2.35% over the week, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) gained 0.33% over the week, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 (AU200) was up by 0.96% over the week.

At the commodities market, futures on wheat (+7.52%), palladium (+7.3%), lumber (+7.05%), platinum (+6.68%), silver (+5.06%), copper (+4.15%), and corn (+2.89%) showed the biggest gains last week. Natural gas futures (-8.51%) and cocoa futures (-2.11%) showed the biggest drop.

S&P 500 (F) (US500) 4,067.36 +61.18 (+1.53%)

Dow Jones (US30) 32,151.71 +377.19 (+1.19%)

DAX (DE40) 13,088.21 +183.89 (+1.43%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 7,351.07 +89.01 (+1.23%)

USD Index 108.97 −0.73 (−0.67%)

Important events for today:

– UK GDP (q/q) at 09:00 (GMT+3);
– UK Industrial Production (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+3);
– UK Manufacturing Production (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+3).

By JustForex

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

Economics & Fundamentals Financial News

12 Sep

Why household robot servants are a lot harder to build than robotic vacuums and automated warehouse workers

By Ayonga Hereid, The Ohio State University

With recent advances in artificial intelligence and robotics technology, there is growing interest in developing and marketing household robots capable of handling a variety of domestic chores.

Tesla is building a humanoid robot, which, according to CEO Elon Musk, could be used for cooking meals and helping elderly people. Amazon recently acquired iRobot, a prominent robotic vacuum manufacturer, and has been investing heavily in the technology through the Amazon Robotics program to expand robotics technology to the consumer market. In May 2022, Dyson, a company renowned for its power vacuum cleaners, announced that it plans to build the U.K.’s largest robotics center devoted to developing household robots that carry out daily domestic tasks in residential spaces.

Despite the growing interest, would-be customers may have to wait awhile for those robots to come on the market. While devices such as smart thermostats and security systems are widely used in homes today, the commercial use of household robots is still in its infancy.

As a robotics researcher, I know firsthand how household robots are considerably more difficult to build than smart digital devices or industrial robots.

Robots that can handle a variety of domestic chores are an age-old staple of science fiction.

Handling objects

One major difference between digital and robotic devices is that household robots need to manipulate objects through physical contact to carry out their tasks. They have to carry the plates, move the chairs and pick up dirty laundry and place it in the washer. These operations require the robot to be able to handle fragile, soft and sometimes heavy objects with irregular shapes.

The state-of-the-art AI and machine learning algorithms perform well in simulated environments. But contact with objects in the real world often trips them up. This happens because physical contact is often difficult to model and even harder to control. While a human can easily perform these tasks, there exist significant technical hurdles for household robots to reach human-level ability to handle objects.

Robots have difficulty in two aspects of manipulating objects: control and sensing. Many pick-and-place robot manipulators like those on assembly lines are equipped with a simple gripper or specialized tools dedicated only to certain tasks like grasping and carrying a particular part. They often struggle to manipulate objects with irregular shapes or elastic materials, especially because they lack the efficient force, or haptic, feedback humans are naturally endowed with. Building a general-purpose robot hand with flexible fingers is still technically challenging and expensive.

It is also worth mentioning that traditional robot manipulators require a stable platform to operate accurately, but the accuracy drops considerably when using them with platforms that move around, particularly on a variety of surfaces. Coordinating locomotion and manipulation in a mobile robot is an open problem in the robotics community that needs to be addressed before broadly capable household robots can make it onto the market.

A sophisticated robotic kitchen is already on the market, but it operates in a highly structured environment, meaning all of the objects it interacts with – cookware, food containers, appliances – are where it expects them to be, and there are no pesky humans to get in the way.

They like structure

In an assembly line or a warehouse, the environment and sequence of tasks are strictly organized. This allows engineers to preprogram the robot’s movements or use simple methods like QR codes to locate objects or target locations. However, household items are often disorganized and placed randomly.

Home robots must deal with many uncertainties in their workspaces. The robot must first locate and identify the target item among many others. Quite often it also requires clearing or avoiding other obstacles in the workspace to be able to reach the item and perform given tasks. This requires the robot to have an excellent perception system, efficient navigation skills, and powerful and accurate manipulation capability.

For example, users of robot vacuums know they must remove all small furniture and other obstacles such as cables from the floor, because even the best robot vacuum cannot clear them by itself. Even more challenging, the robot has to operate in the presence of moving obstacles when people and pets walk within close range.

Keeping it simple

While they appear straightforward for humans, many household tasks are too complex for robots. Industrial robots are excellent for repetitive operations in which the robot motion can be preprogrammed. But household tasks are often unique to the situation and could be full of surprises that require the robot to constantly make decisions and change its route in order to perform the tasks.

Think about cooking or cleaning dishes. In the course of a few minutes of cooking, you might grasp a sauté pan, a spatula, a stove knob, a refrigerator door handle, an egg and a bottle of cooking oil. To wash a pan, you typically hold and move it with one hand while scrubbing with the other, and ensure that all cooked-on food residue is removed and then all soap is rinsed off.

There has been significant development in recent years using machine learning to train robots to make intelligent decisions when picking and placing different objects, meaning grasping and moving objects from one spot to another. However, to be able to train robots to master all different types of kitchen tools and household appliances would be another level of difficulty even for the best learning algorithms.

Not to mention that people’s homes often have stairs, narrow passageways and high shelves. Those hard-to-reach spaces limit the use of today’s mobile robots, which tend to use wheels or four legs. Humanoid robots, which would more closely match the environments humans build and organize for themselves, have yet to be reliably used outside of lab settings.

A solution to task complexity is to build special-purpose robots, such as robot vacuum cleaners or kitchen robots. Many different types of such devices are likely to be developed in the near future. However, I believe that general-purpose home robots are still a long way off.

About the Author:

Ayonga Hereid, Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Economics & Fundamentals Financial News

11 Sep

COT Bonds Speculator bets led lower this week by Fed Funds & 2-Year Bond

By InvestMacro

The latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) showed that bond speculators mostly lowered their positioning for this week. The latest COT data for Week 36 is updated through Tuesday September 6th 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 lower by the Fed Funds & 2-Year Bond

The COT bond market speculator bets were lower this week as just three out of the eight bond markets we cover had higher positioning this week while the other five markets had lower contracts.

Leading the gains for the bond markets was the Eurodollar (74,748 contracts) with the 10-Year Bond (63,826 contracts) and the 5-Year Bond (59,565 contracts) also recording positive weeks.

The bond markets leading the declines in speculator bets this week were the Fed Funds (-66,116 contracts) with the 2-Year Bond (-45,142 contracts), the Long US Bond (-16,383 contracts), the Ultra 10-Year (-4,726 contracts) and the Ultra US Bond (-1,621 contracts) also having lower bets on the week.

Data Snapshot of Bond Market Traders | Columns Legend

Sep-06-2022	OI	OI-Index	Spec-Net	Spec-Index	Com-Net	COM-Index	Smalls-Net	Smalls-Index
Eurodollar	9,566,532	14	-2,782,654	2	3,146,671	97	-364,017	24
FedFunds	1,379,784	32	18,650	42	-9,128	59	-9,522	35
2-Year	1,954,427	8	-326,742	16	412,994	100	-86,252	13
Long T-Bond	1,209,340	46	-85,217	57	64,174	33	21,043	69
10-Year	3,545,995	33	-376,277	15	490,281	80	-114,004	53
5-Year	4,009,309	52	-505,891	9	659,349	94	-153,458	39

US Treasury Bond at top of Strength Scores, Eurodollar lowest

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) show that the US Treasury Bond leads the bonds markets and is the only market above the midpoint of its 3-year range at 56.9 percent. The Fed Funds (41.9 percent) comes in as the next highest bonds market in strength scores followed by the Ultra US Treasury Bond (39.4 percent).

On the downside, the Eurodollar (1.9 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently and is followed by the 5-Year Bond (9.0 percent), the 10-Year Bond (15.2 percent) and the 2-Year Bond (16.3 percent). All of these markets are currently in extreme bearish levels with scores below 20 percent.

Strength Statistics:
Fed Funds (41.9 percent) vs Fed Funds previous week (50.1 percent)
2-Year Bond (16.3 percent) vs 2-Year Bond previous week (25.4 percent)
5-Year Bond (9.0 percent) vs 5-Year Bond previous week (0.0 percent)
10-Year Bond (15.2 percent) vs 10-Year Bond previous week (5.5 percent)
Ultra 10-Year Bond (22.9 percent) vs Ultra 10-Year Bond previous week (24.1 percent)
US Treasury Bond (56.9 percent) vs US Treasury Bond previous week (62.2 percent)
Ultra US Treasury Bond (39.4 percent) vs Ultra US Treasury Bond previous week (40.1 percent)
Eurodollar (1.9 percent) vs Eurodollar previous week (0.5 percent)

Ultra 10-Year Bond is only market with positive Strength Trend

Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) show that the Ultra 10-Year Bond (2.1 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for bonds and is the only market with a positive six-week trend score.

The 2-Year Bond (-47.8 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently while the next market with the lowest trend scores was the 5-Year Bond (-28.9 percent) followed by the 10-Year Bond (-26.8 percent) and the Fed Funds (-15.9 percent).

Strength Trend Statistics:
Fed Funds (-15.9 percent) vs Fed Funds previous week (-3.6 percent)
2-Year Bond (-47.8 percent) vs 2-Year Bond previous week (-44.1 percent)
5-Year Bond (-28.9 percent) vs 5-Year Bond previous week (-46.5 percent)
10-Year Bond (-26.8 percent) vs 10-Year Bond previous week (-50.4 percent)
Ultra 10-Year Bond (2.1 percent) vs Ultra 10-Year Bond previous week (4.6 percent)
US Treasury Bond (-12.6 percent) vs US Treasury Bond previous week (-8.7 percent)
Ultra US Treasury Bond (-2.9 percent) vs Ultra US Treasury Bond previous week (-4.1 percent)
Eurodollar (-1.8 percent) vs Eurodollar previous week (-3.9 percent)

Individual Markets:

3-Month Eurodollars Futures:

The 3-Month Eurodollars large speculator standing this week was a net position of -2,782,654 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 74,748 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -2,857,402 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 1.9 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 97.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 24.3 percent.

3-Month Eurodollars Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	6.9	70.2	4.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	36.0	37.3	7.9
– Net Position:	-2,782,654	3,146,671	-364,017
– Gross Longs:	661,773	6,716,597	396,477
– Gross Shorts:	3,444,427	3,569,926	760,494
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.2 to 1	1.9 to 1	0.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	1.9	97.3	24.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-1.8	3.4	-19.9

30-Day Federal Funds Futures:

The 30-Day Federal Funds large speculator standing this week was a net position of 18,650 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -66,116 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 84,766 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 41.9 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 58.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 35.5 percent.

30-Day Federal Funds Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	13.0	73.0	2.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	11.6	73.7	3.0
– Net Position:	18,650	-9,128	-9,522
– Gross Longs:	178,764	1,007,424	31,787
– Gross Shorts:	160,114	1,016,552	41,309
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.1 to 1	1.0 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	41.9	58.8	35.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-15.9	15.8	-4.8

2-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 2-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week was a net position of -326,742 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -45,142 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -281,600 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 16.3 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 12.6 percent.

2-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	4.6	84.4	7.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	21.3	63.3	11.8
– Net Position:	-326,742	412,994	-86,252
– Gross Longs:	89,223	1,650,101	143,560
– Gross Shorts:	415,965	1,237,107	229,812
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.2 to 1	1.3 to 1	0.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	16.3	100.0	12.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-47.8	50.1	-6.5

5-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 5-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week was a net position of -505,891 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 59,565 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -565,456 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 9.0 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 93.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 38.8 percent.

5-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	6.6	84.2	7.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	19.2	67.7	11.4
– Net Position:	-505,891	659,349	-153,458
– Gross Longs:	264,384	3,375,543	304,706
– Gross Shorts:	770,275	2,716,194	458,164
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	9.0	93.7	38.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-28.9	25.5	-5.1

10-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 10-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week was a net position of -376,277 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 63,826 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -440,103 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 15.2 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 80.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 53.0 percent.

10-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	7.9	79.7	9.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	18.5	65.8	12.7
– Net Position:	-376,277	490,281	-114,004
– Gross Longs:	279,865	2,824,708	336,063
– Gross Shorts:	656,142	2,334,427	450,067
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.4 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	15.2	80.1	53.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-26.8	26.6	-11.3

Ultra 10-Year Notes Futures:

The Ultra 10-Year Notes large speculator standing this week was a net position of -22,712 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -4,726 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -17,986 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 Bearish with a score of 22.9 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 77.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 47.3 percent.

Ultra 10-Year Notes Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	6.4	79.8	9.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	8.1	69.1	18.8
– Net Position:	-22,712	143,014	-120,302
– Gross Longs:	85,767	1,064,996	130,034
– Gross Shorts:	108,479	921,982	250,336
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	22.9	77.0	47.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	2.1	-2.1	-0.0

US Treasury Bonds Futures:

The US Treasury Bonds large speculator standing this week was a net position of -85,217 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -16,383 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -68,834 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 56.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 33.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 69.3 percent.

US Treasury Bonds Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	6.0	76.2	13.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	13.0	70.8	12.1
– Net Position:	-85,217	64,174	21,043
– Gross Longs:	72,558	920,966	167,960
– Gross Shorts:	157,775	856,792	146,917
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.5 to 1	1.1 to 1	1.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	56.9	33.5	69.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-12.6	12.6	2.6

Ultra US Treasury Bonds Futures:

The Ultra US Treasury Bonds large speculator standing this week was a net position of -357,415 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -1,621 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -355,794 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 39.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 75.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 49.6 percent.

Ultra US Treasury Bonds Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	5.2	82.2	10.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	31.5	58.1	8.8
– Net Position:	-357,415	327,748	29,667
– Gross Longs:	70,713	1,118,090	148,948
– Gross Shorts:	428,128	790,342	119,281
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.2 to 1	1.4 to 1	1.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	39.4	75.4	49.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-2.9	12.8	-13.7

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Reports by Email

*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 COT Updates Financial News investing

11 Sep

COT Soft Commodities Speculator bets trend lower led by Soybean Meal & Lean Hogs

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 for Week 36 is updated through Tuesday September 6th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes go lower led by Soybean Meal & Lean Hogs

COT soft commodities speculator bets were lower this week as just three out of the eleven soft commodities markets we cover had higher positioning this week while the other eight markets had lower contracts.

Leading the gains for soft commodities markets was Corn (3,150 contracts) with Live Cattle (3,099 contracts) and Wheat (1,740 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The softs markets leading the declines in speculator bets this week were Soybean Meal (-9,054 contracts) with Lean Hogs (-6,858 contracts), Soybean Oil (-5,176 contracts), Sugar (-4,780 contracts), Cocoa (-3,847 contracts), Soybeans (-2,311 contracts), Coffee (-1,519 contracts) and Cotton (-1,055 contracts) also recording lower bets on the week.

Data Snapshot of Commodity Market Traders | Columns Legend

Sep-06-2022	OI	OI-Index	Spec-Net	Spec-Index	Com-Net	COM-Index	Smalls-Net	Smalls-Index
WTI Crude	1,480,320	1	214,478	1	-240,417	99	25,939	43
Gold	465,908	4	103,857	4	-114,064	98	10,207	0
Silver	138,300	5	-12,784	0	5,055	100	7,729	6
Copper	160,251	2	-23,990	19	26,820	84	-2,830	9
Palladium	6,065	1	-1,602	14	2,129	87	-527	13
Platinum	78,610	53	-6,751	0	3,152	100	3,599	12
Natural Gas	984,642	5	-138,638	37	105,802	64	32,836	58
Brent	163,666	11	-36,388	50	32,508	47	3,880	62
Heating Oil	280,210	27	17,860	69	-36,089	33	18,229	62
Soybeans	606,187	7	81,251	38	-50,826	71	-30,425	20
Corn	1,280,087	2	286,547	67	-230,702	39	-55,845	11
Coffee	193,938	7	47,168	80	-49,276	25	2,108	19
Sugar	760,601	11	57,771	49	-61,944	56	4,173	13
Wheat	289,329	0	-9,759	6	13,677	79	-3,918	90

Soybean Meal and Coffee lead the Strength Scores

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) show that Soybean Meal (87.1 percent) leads the soft commodity markets and is in a bullish extreme position with a score above 80 percent. Coffee (79.6 percent) comes in as the next highest soft commodity markets market in strength scores followed by Corn (66.6 percent) and Live Cattle (58.1 percent).

On the downside, Wheat (6.4 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently and remains as the only market in a bearish extreme level with a score under 20 percent. The next lowest is Cocoa (21.3 percent) followed by Soybean Oil (36.4 percent).

Strength Statistics:
Corn (66.6 percent) vs Corn previous week (66.2 percent)
Sugar (48.5 percent) vs Sugar previous week (49.5 percent)
Coffee (79.6 percent) vs Coffee previous week (80.9 percent)
Soybeans (38.3 percent) vs Soybeans previous week (39.0 percent)
Soybean Oil (36.4 percent) vs Soybean Oil previous week (40.0 percent)
Soybean Meal (87.1 percent) vs Soybean Meal previous week (92.2 percent)
Live Cattle (58.1 percent) vs Live Cattle previous week (54.3 percent)
Lean Hogs (46.3 percent) vs Lean Hogs previous week (53.8 percent)
Cotton (51.2 percent) vs Cotton previous week (51.9 percent)
Cocoa (21.3 percent) vs Cocoa previous week (25.1 percent)
Wheat (6.4 percent) vs Wheat previous week (4.1 percent)

Live Cattle and Soybean Oil at top of Strength Trends

Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) show that Live Cattle (33.7 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for soft commodity markets this week. Soybean Oil (19.1 percent), Coffee (16.0 percent) and Corn (12.8 percent) fill out the next highest movers in the latest trends data.

Wheat (-12.7 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently while the next market with lower trend scores were Sugar (-1.3 percent) followed by Soybeans at -1.2 percent.

Strength Trend Statistics:
Corn (12.8 percent) vs Corn previous week (9.4 percent)
Sugar (-1.3 percent) vs Sugar previous week (-13.3 percent)
Coffee (16.0 percent) vs Coffee previous week (17.9 percent)
Soybeans (-1.2 percent) vs Soybeans previous week (-5.8 percent)
Soybean Oil (19.1 percent) vs Soybean Oil previous week (18.3 percent)
Soybean Meal (0.3 percent) vs Soybean Meal previous week (8.6 percent)
Live Cattle (33.7 percent) vs Live Cattle previous week (47.4 percent)
Lean Hogs (1.0 percent) vs Lean Hogs previous week (14.8 percent)
Cotton (8.0 percent) vs Cotton previous week (9.7 percent)
Cocoa (1.0 percent) vs Cocoa previous week (8.8 percent)
Wheat (-12.7 percent) vs Wheat previous week (-23.5 percent)

Individual Markets:

CORN Futures:

The CORN large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 286,547 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 3,150 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 283,397 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 66.6 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 39.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 10.9 percent.

CORN Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	31.8	46.1	9.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	9.4	64.2	13.5
– Net Position:	286,547	-230,702	-55,845
– Gross Longs:	406,895	590,573	116,649
– Gross Shorts:	120,348	821,275	172,494
– Long to Short Ratio:	3.4 to 1	0.7 to 1	0.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	66.6	39.0	10.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	12.8	-13.1	-4.7

SUGAR Futures:

The SUGAR large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 57,771 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -4,780 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 62,551 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 48.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 56.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 13.0 percent.

SUGAR Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	23.4	53.9	8.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	15.9	62.0	7.8
– Net Position:	57,771	-61,944	4,173
– Gross Longs:	178,344	409,718	63,249
– Gross Shorts:	120,573	471,662	59,076
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.5 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	48.5	56.4	13.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-1.3	0.7	3.1

COFFEE Futures:

The COFFEE large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 47,168 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -1,519 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 48,687 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 79.6 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 24.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 18.9 percent.

COFFEE Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	30.5	45.4	4.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	6.2	70.8	3.7
– Net Position:	47,168	-49,276	2,108
– Gross Longs:	59,224	88,013	9,278
– Gross Shorts:	12,056	137,289	7,170
– Long to Short Ratio:	4.9 to 1	0.6 to 1	1.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	79.6	24.5	18.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	16.0	-18.5	17.2

SOYBEANS Futures:

The SOYBEANS large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 81,251 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -2,311 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 83,562 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 38.3 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 71.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 19.6 percent.

SOYBEANS Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	25.1	55.2	6.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	11.6	63.5	11.3
– Net Position:	81,251	-50,826	-30,425
– Gross Longs:	151,858	334,375	37,854
– Gross Shorts:	70,607	385,201	68,279
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.2 to 1	0.9 to 1	0.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	38.3	71.1	19.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-1.2	2.1	-4.7

SOYBEAN OIL Futures:

The SOYBEAN OIL large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 48,782 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -5,176 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 53,958 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 36.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 65.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 37.2 percent.

SOYBEAN OIL Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	20.8	52.1	8.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	8.4	66.2	6.4
– Net Position:	48,782	-55,146	6,364
– Gross Longs:	81,987	205,203	31,353
– Gross Shorts:	33,205	260,349	24,989
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.5 to 1	0.8 to 1	1.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	36.4	65.5	37.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	19.1	-19.9	14.6

SOYBEAN MEAL Futures:

The SOYBEAN MEAL large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 107,135 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -9,054 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 116,189 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-Extreme with a score of 87.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 17.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 34.1 percent.

SOYBEAN MEAL Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	32.4	43.7	11.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	4.8	76.3	6.5
– Net Position:	107,135	-126,646	19,511
– Gross Longs:	125,905	170,122	44,983
– Gross Shorts:	18,770	296,768	25,472
– Long to Short Ratio:	6.7 to 1	0.6 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	87.1	17.1	34.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	0.3	-0.1	-1.9

LIVE CATTLE Futures:

The LIVE CATTLE large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 62,830 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 3,099 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 59,731 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 58.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 31.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 75.3 percent.

LIVE CATTLE Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	37.6	32.3	10.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	16.4	52.5	11.6
– Net Position:	62,830	-59,885	-2,945
– Gross Longs:	111,433	95,824	31,503
– Gross Shorts:	48,603	155,709	34,448
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.3 to 1	0.6 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	58.1	31.3	75.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	33.7	-34.3	-6.9

LEAN HOGS Futures:

The LEAN HOGS large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 36,341 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -6,858 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 43,199 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 46.3 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 58.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 60.5 percent.

LEAN HOGS Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	36.3	37.3	8.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	19.6	50.8	12.0
– Net Position:	36,341	-29,399	-6,942
– Gross Longs:	79,138	81,384	19,248
– Gross Shorts:	42,797	110,783	26,190
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.8 to 1	0.7 to 1	0.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	46.3	58.7	60.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	1.0	-2.6	6.7

COTTON Futures:

The COTTON large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 50,712 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -1,055 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 51,767 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 51.2 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 48.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 56.5 percent.

COTTON Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	36.6	44.7	6.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	12.7	72.0	3.5
– Net Position:	50,712	-57,850	7,138
– Gross Longs:	77,522	94,458	14,536
– Gross Shorts:	26,810	152,308	7,398
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.9 to 1	0.6 to 1	2.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	51.2	48.6	56.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	8.0	-10.6	31.9

COCOA Futures:

The COCOA large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of 4,464 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -3,847 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 8,311 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 21.3 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 80.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 24.1 percent.

COCOA Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	32.2	47.2	4.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	30.7	49.6	3.6
– Net Position:	4,464	-7,224	2,760
– Gross Longs:	93,816	137,463	13,152
– Gross Shorts:	89,352	144,687	10,392
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.0 to 1	1.0 to 1	1.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	21.3	80.4	24.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	1.0	-2.1	10.4

WHEAT Futures:

The WHEAT large speculator standing this week recorded a net position of -9,759 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 1,740 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -11,499 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 6.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 79.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 90.1 percent.

WHEAT Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	30.6	41.9	10.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	34.0	37.2	11.4
– Net Position:	-9,759	13,677	-3,918
– Gross Longs:	88,611	121,265	29,169
– Gross Shorts:	98,370	107,588	33,087
– 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):	6.4	79.1	90.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-12.7	8.0	21.7

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Reports by Email

COT Updates Financial News investing Soft Commodities

11 Sep

COT Energy Speculators Weekly Bets led lower by WTI Crude & Natural Gas

By InvestMacro

The latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) showed that speculators reduced their positioning in the energy markets. The latest COT data for Week 36 is updated through Tuesday September 6th 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 lower by WTI Crude & Natural Gas

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

Leading the gains for energy markets was Brent Crude Oil (3,625 contracts) and the Bloomberg Commodity Index (2,147 contracts) also showing a positive week.

The energy markets leading the declines in speculator bets this week were WTI Crude Oil (-14,711 contracts) and Natural Gas (-9,873 contracts) with Heating Oil (-7,336 contracts) and Gasoline (-536 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week.

Data Snapshot of Commodity Market Traders | Columns Legend

Sep-06-2022	OI	OI-Index	Spec-Net	Spec-Index	Com-Net	COM-Index	Smalls-Net	Smalls-Index
WTI Crude	1,480,320	1	214,478	1	-240,417	99	25,939	43
Gold	465,908	4	103,857	4	-114,064	98	10,207	0
Silver	138,300	5	-12,784	0	5,055	100	7,729	6
Copper	160,251	2	-23,990	19	26,820	84	-2,830	9
Palladium	6,065	1	-1,602	14	2,129	87	-527	13
Platinum	78,610	53	-6,751	0	3,152	100	3,599	12
Natural Gas	984,642	5	-138,638	37	105,802	64	32,836	58
Brent	163,666	11	-36,388	50	32,508	47	3,880	62
Heating Oil	280,210	27	17,860	69	-36,089	33	18,229	62
Soybeans	606,187	7	81,251	38	-50,826	71	-30,425	20
Corn	1,280,087	2	286,547	67	-230,702	39	-55,845	11
Coffee	193,938	7	47,168	80	-49,276	25	2,108	19
Sugar	760,601	11	57,771	49	-61,944	56	4,173	13
Wheat	289,329	0	-9,759	6	13,677	79	-3,918	90

Strength Scores

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) show that Heating Oil (68.7 percent) and the Bloomberg Commodity Index (67.6 percent) lead the energy markets currently. Brent Crude Oil (50.1 percent) comes in as the next highest energy market in strength scores and above the 3-Year midpoint.

On the downside, WTI Crude Oil (1.0 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level and is in a bearish extreme level (below 20 percent).

Strength Statistics:
WTI Crude Oil (1.0 percent) vs WTI Crude Oil previous week (4.9 percent)
Brent Crude Oil (50.1 percent) vs Brent Crude Oil previous week (44.0 percent)
Natural Gas (37.0 percent) vs Natural Gas previous week (39.9 percent)
Gasoline (21.2 percent) vs Gasoline previous week (21.7 percent)
Heating Oil (68.7 percent) vs Heating Oil previous week (79.5 percent)
Bloomberg Commodity Index (67.6 percent) vs Bloomberg Commodity Index previous week (59.4 percent)

Strength Trends

Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) show that the Bloomberg Commodity Index (20.1 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for energy this week. Brent Crude Oil (8.6 percent) and Gasoline (3.8 percent) are the only other positive movers in the latest trends data.

WTI Crude Oil (-11.8 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently while the next market with lower trend scores were Natural Gas (-6.1 percent) followed by Heating Oil (-1.2 percent).

Strength Trend Statistics:
WTI Crude Oil (-11.8 percent) vs WTI Crude Oil previous week (-11.1 percent)
Brent Crude Oil (8.6 percent) vs Brent Crude Oil previous week (2.2 percent)
Natural Gas (-6.1 percent) vs Natural Gas previous week (-2.5 percent)
Gasoline (3.8 percent) vs Gasoline previous week (9.9 percent)
Heating Oil (-1.2 percent) vs Heating Oil previous week (23.5 percent)
Bloomberg Commodity Index (20.1 percent) vs Bloomberg Commodity Index previous week (6.0 percent)

Individual Markets:

WTI Crude Oil Futures:

The WTI Crude Oil Futures large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of 214,478 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -14,711 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 229,189 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 Bearish-Extreme with a score of 1.0 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 99.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 43.2 percent.

WTI Crude Oil Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	22.0	40.5	5.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	7.5	56.8	3.6
– Net Position:	214,478	-240,417	25,939
– Gross Longs:	326,007	599,689	78,942
– Gross Shorts:	111,529	840,106	53,003
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.9 to 1	0.7 to 1	1.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	1.0	99.4	43.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-11.8	11.6	2.8

Brent Crude Oil Futures:

The Brent Crude Oil Futures large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -36,388 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 3,625 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -40,013 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 47.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 61.7 percent.

Brent Crude Oil Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	17.6	52.6	5.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	39.8	32.8	2.8
– Net Position:	-36,388	32,508	3,880
– Gross Longs:	28,735	86,126	8,497
– Gross Shorts:	65,123	53,618	4,617
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.4 to 1	1.6 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	50.1	47.3	61.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	8.6	-13.4	40.0

Natural Gas Futures:

The Natural Gas Futures large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -138,638 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -9,873 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -128,765 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 37.0 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 64.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 57.9 percent.

Natural Gas Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	16.6	42.3	6.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	30.7	31.5	3.4
– Net Position:	-138,638	105,802	32,836
– Gross Longs:	163,659	416,041	66,617
– Gross Shorts:	302,297	310,239	33,781
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.5 to 1	1.3 to 1	2.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	37.0	64.2	57.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-6.1	7.2	-5.7

Gasoline Blendstock Futures:

The Gasoline Blendstock Futures large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of 49,166 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -536 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 49,702 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 21.2 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 82.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 23.2 percent.

Nasdaq Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	32.7	47.3	7.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	12.5	68.1	6.5
– Net Position:	49,166	-50,738	1,572
– Gross Longs:	79,830	115,591	17,453
– Gross Shorts:	30,664	166,329	15,881
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.6 to 1	0.7 to 1	1.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	21.2	82.7	23.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	3.8	-0.4	-22.3

#2 Heating Oil NY-Harbor Futures:

The #2 Heating Oil NY-Harbor Futures large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of 17,860 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -7,336 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 25,196 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 68.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 32.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 61.5 percent.

Heating Oil Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	15.0	53.5	15.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	8.7	66.4	8.5
– Net Position:	17,860	-36,089	18,229
– Gross Longs:	42,125	149,862	42,127
– Gross Shorts:	24,265	185,951	23,898
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.7 to 1	0.8 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	68.7	32.8	61.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-1.2	-2.7	11.7

Bloomberg Commodity Index Futures:

The Bloomberg Commodity Index Futures large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -10,420 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 2,147 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -12,567 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 67.6 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 32.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 21.2 percent.

Bloomberg Index Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	24.2	73.8	0.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	40.2	58.2	0.1
– Net Position:	-10,420	10,122	298
– Gross Longs:	15,696	47,944	388
– Gross Shorts:	26,116	37,822	90
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.6 to 1	1.3 to 1	4.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	67.6	32.2	21.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	20.1	-20.3	1.4

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Reports by Email

COT Updates Energy Financial News investing

11 Sep

Stock Market Speculator bets lower this week led by Dow Jones Mini & Nasdaq Mini

By InvestMacro

The latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) showed that stock market speculators added bearish bets on the week. The latest COT data for Week 36 is updated through Tuesday September 6th 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 lower by Dow Jones Mini (-8,188 contracts) & Nasdaq Mini (-4,761 contracts)

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

Leading the gains for stock markets was the VIX (9,201 contracts) with the MSCI EAFE Mini (3,096 contracts) and the S&P500 Mini (912 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The stock markets leading the declines in speculator bets this week were the Dow Jones Industrial Average Mini (-8,188 contracts) and the Nasdaq Mini (-4,761 contracts) with the Russell 2000 Mini (-4,456 contracts) and the Nikkei 225 USD (-78 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week.

Data Snapshot of Stock Market Traders | Columns Legend

Sep-06-2022	OI	OI-Index	Spec-Net	Spec-Index	Com-Net	COM-Index	Smalls-Net	Smalls-Index
S&P500-Mini	2,314,290	8	-238,720	12	301,282	93	-62,562	13
Nikkei 225	14,151	10	-4,641	55	2,949	44	1,692	50
Nasdaq-Mini	286,754	64	22,046	87	1,869	28	-23,915	0
DowJones-Mini	76,726	37	-9,608	25	10,386	73	-778	34
VIX	326,476	35	-88,734	65	95,211	35	-6,477	60
Nikkei 225 Yen	77,781	69	-2,622	26	32,959	100	-30,337	12

Nasdaq-Mini & VIX lead the Strength Scores

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 Nasdaq-Mini (87.3 percent) remains the strength leader in stocks and continues to be in a bullish extreme position (above 80 percent). The VIX (64.8 percent) comes in as the next highest stocks market in strength scores.

On the downside, the S&P500-Mini (12.0 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently and is followed by the Russell 2000-Mini (13.7 percent). Both of these markets are below 20 percent and currently in a bearish extreme level.

Strength Statistics:
VIX (64.8 percent) vs VIX previous week (60.2 percent)
S&P500-Mini (12.0 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (11.8 percent)
DowJones-Mini (25.5 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (36.4 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (87.3 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (90.0 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (13.7 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (16.2 percent)
Nikkei USD (55.4 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (55.8 percent)
EAFE-Mini (27.8 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (24.4 percent)

DowJones-Mini leads Strength Trends

Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the DowJones-Mini (15.4 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for stocks this week. The EAFE-Mini (6.6 percent), the Russell 2000-Mini (5.4 percent) and the VIX (1.9 percent) fill out the other positive movers in the latest trends data.

The Nikkei USD (-12.8 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently while the next market with lower trend scores were the Nasdaq-Mini (-5.5 percent) followed by the S&P500-Mini (-0.2 percent).

Strength Trend Statistics:
VIX (1.9 percent) vs VIX previous week (-14.0 percent)
S&P500-Mini (-0.2 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (-5.8 percent)
DowJones-Mini (15.4 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (19.2 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (-5.5 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (-0.7 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (5.4 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (5.4 percent)
Nikkei USD (-12.8 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (-13.4 percent)
EAFE-Mini (6.6 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (13.0 percent)

Individual Markets:

VIX Volatility Futures:

The VIX Volatility large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -88,734 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 9,201 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -97,935 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 64.8 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 35.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 59.9 percent.

VIX Volatility Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	13.2	59.6	7.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	40.4	30.5	9.2
– Net Position:	-88,734	95,211	-6,477
– Gross Longs:	43,204	194,652	23,450
– Gross Shorts:	131,938	99,441	29,927
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	2.0 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	64.8	35.5	59.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	1.9	-2.1	2.3

S&P500 Mini Futures:

The S&P500 Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -238,720 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 912 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -239,632 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 12.0 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 92.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 13.2 percent.

S&P500 Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	9.8	77.3	9.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	20.1	64.3	12.5
– Net Position:	-238,720	301,282	-62,562
– Gross Longs:	226,374	1,789,211	227,788
– Gross Shorts:	465,094	1,487,929	290,350
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.5 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	12.0	92.7	13.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-0.2	1.5	-2.1

Dow Jones Mini Futures:

The Dow Jones Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -9,608 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -8,188 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,420 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 25.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 72.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 34.3 percent.

Dow Jones Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	30.3	52.9	15.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	42.8	39.4	16.7
– Net Position:	-9,608	10,386	-778
– Gross Longs:	23,230	40,613	12,001
– Gross Shorts:	32,838	30,227	12,779
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.7 to 1	1.3 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	25.5	72.9	34.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	15.4	-22.4	27.5

Nasdaq Mini Futures:

The Nasdaq Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of 22,046 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -4,761 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 26,807 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 87.3 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 27.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 0.1 percent.

Nasdaq Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	29.8	55.9	12.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	22.1	55.2	20.8
– Net Position:	22,046	1,869	-23,915
– Gross Longs:	85,430	160,216	35,685
– Gross Shorts:	63,384	158,347	59,600
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.3 to 1	1.0 to 1	0.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	87.3	27.7	0.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-5.5	16.8	-35.9

Russell 2000 Mini Futures:

The Russell 2000 Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -95,605 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -4,456 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -91,149 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 Bearish-Extreme with a score of 13.7 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 85.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 23.7 percent.

Russell 2000 Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	8.3	86.0	4.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	25.9	68.2	4.4
– Net Position:	-95,605	96,814	-1,209
– Gross Longs:	44,891	466,378	22,920
– Gross Shorts:	140,496	369,564	24,129
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.3 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	13.7	85.9	23.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	5.4	-6.9	11.0

Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures:

The Nikkei Stock Average (USD) large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -4,641 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -78 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -4,563 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 55.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 44.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 49.6 percent.

Nikkei Stock Average Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	12.2	53.3	34.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	45.0	32.5	22.3
– Net Position:	-4,641	2,949	1,692
– Gross Longs:	1,729	7,548	4,844
– Gross Shorts:	6,370	4,599	3,152
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.6 to 1	1.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	55.4	44.4	49.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-12.8	-1.3	37.0

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures:

The MSCI EAFE Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -10,768 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 3,096 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -13,864 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 27.8 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 72.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 37.5 percent.

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	5.7	91.4	2.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	8.4	89.3	1.6
– Net Position:	-10,768	8,643	2,125
– Gross Longs:	23,221	370,798	8,690
– Gross Shorts:	33,989	362,155	6,565
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.7 to 1	1.0 to 1	1.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	27.8	72.9	37.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	6.6	-5.5	-8.1

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter by Email

*COT Reports: 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.

COT Updates Financial News investing Stock Market News

09 Sep

Tiny algae could help fix concrete’s dirty little climate secret – 4 innovative ways to clean up this notoriously hard to decarbonize industry

By Wil Srubar, University of Colorado Boulder

Humans produce more concrete than any other material on the planet. It is the literal foundation of modern civilization – and for good reason.

Concrete is strong, durable, affordable and available to almost every community on the planet. However, the global concrete industry has a dirty little secret – it alone is responsible for more than 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions – more than three times the emissions associated with aviation. Those emissions doubled in the past two decades as Asian cities grew, and demand is continuing to expand at an unprecedented rate.

It’s also one of the most difficult industries to decarbonize, in part because manufacturers are typically hyperlocal and operate on slim margins, leaving little to invest in technologies that could lower emissions.

However, difficult does not necessarily mean impossible.

Architects, engineers, scientists and cement and concrete manufacturers around the world are investigating and piloting several new strategies and technologies that can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of cement and concrete. Here are a few of them, including one my team at the University of Colorado is working on: figuring out ways to use all-natural microalgae to solve concrete’s biggest emissions problem – cement.

It doesn’t have to be 100% cement

The primary culprit behind concrete’s climate impact is the production of portland cement – the powder used to make concrete.

Cement is made by heating limestone rich in calcium carbonate to over 2,640 degrees Fahrenheit (1,450 Celsius). The calcium carbonate decomposes into calcium oxide, or quicklime, and carbon dioxide – a climate-warming greenhouse gas. This chemical reaction, what the Portland Cement Association calls a “chemical fact of life,” is responsible for a whopping 60% or so of cement-related emissions. The remainder comes from energy to heat the kiln.

One of the most promising short-term strategies for reducing concrete’s carbon footprint uses materials like fly ash from coal plants, slag from iron production, and calcined clay to replace some of the portland cement in concrete mixtures. These are known as supplementary cementitious materials.

Using 20% to 50% fly ash, slag or calcined clay can reduce the embodied carbon of concrete mixtures by about the same percentages.

Another method uses small amounts of ground limestone to replace some of the cement and is becoming a best practice. After rigorous testing, the California Department of Transportation recently announced it would allow portland-limestone cement mixes, known as PLC, in its projects. With 5% to 15% ground limestone replacing cement, PLC can reduce emissions by about the same amount. California’s decision quickly led other states to approve the use of PLC.

Many researchers are now advocating for the adoption of limestone calcined-clay cement, which contains about 55% portland cement, 15% ground limestone and 30% calcined clay. It could cut emissions by more than 45%.

What electrification and carbon capture can do

Cement plants have also started testing carbon capture technologies and electric kilns to slash emissions. But carbon capture is expensive, and scaling the technology to meet the demand of the cement and concrete industry is no easy feat.

Kiln electrification faces the same barriers. New technologies and large capital investments are required to electrify one of the world’s most energy-intensive processes. However, the promise of zero combustion-related emissions is enticing enough for some entrepreneurs and cement companies – including those interested in using 100% solar energy for cement production – who are racing to find solutions that are both technologically and economically viable at scale.

The Inflation Reduction Act, which Congress passed in August 2022, could help put some of these technologies to wider use. It includes funding for modernizing equipment and adding carbon capture capabilities, as well as tax credit incentives for manufacturers to cut their emissions.

Going cement-free, possibly with algae

Another strategy is to produce functionally equivalent materials that contain no portland cement whatsoever.

Materials like alkali-activated slag or fly ash cement concrete are produced by combining slag, fly ash or both with a very strong base. These materials have been shown to cut carbon emissions by 90% or more, and they might meet scale and cost criteria, but they still face technical and regulatory challenges.

Some examples of low-carbon, portland cement-free concrete products that have gained market traction include wollastonite-based modular components, compressed earth blocks and prefabricated biocement products – including those produced using photosynthetic, biomineralizing microalgae.

Algae have also been used as an alternative biofuel for heating cement kilns, and algae cultivation systems have also been linked with cement production to capture carbon.

Author Wil Surubar describes his team’s work with algae to make concrete.

My team at the University of Colorado Boulder and I are looking into the use of algae-derived limestone for portland cement production, which could help eliminate 60% of the emissions associated with cement manufacturing. This technology is appealing because it is plug-and-play with conventional cement production.

Using concrete to lock captured CO2 away

Engineers are also experimenting with injecting captured carbon dioxide into concrete as well as using aggregates made of carbon dioxide in place of gravel or sand that is mixed into concrete.

It’s an exciting concept, but so far injection has yielded limited carbon dioxide reductions, and production of carbon-dioxide-storing aggregates has yet to scale up.

A growing problem

Ultimately, time will tell whether these and other technologies will live up to their promise.

What is certain is that there has been a worldwide reckoning within the cement and concrete industry that it has a problem to solve and no silver bullet solution. It may take a suite of solutions tailored to both local and global markets to address the immediate and long-term challenges of keeping up with an ever-growing population and rapidly changing climate.

About the Author:

Wil Srubar, Assistant Professor of Architectural Engineering and Materials Science, University of Colorado Boulder

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Energy Financial News

09 Sep

Murrey Math Lines 09.09.2022 (Brent, S&P 500)

Article By RoboForex.com

BRENT

On H4, the quotes have bounced off the oversold area. They now are expected to rise over 1/8 and grow to the resistance level of 2/8. This movement should be interpreted as a correction of a downtrend. The scenario can be cancelled by a downward breakaway of the support level of 0/8. In this case, the quotes will start falling again and may drop to the support level of -1/8.

On M15, growth can be additionally supported by a breakaway of the upper line of VoltyChannel.

S&P 500

On MH4, the quotes are under the 200-day Moving Average, which means they are in a downtrend. A test of 2/8 is expected, followed by a bounce off it and falling to the support level of 0/8. The scenario can be cancelled by rising over the resistance level of 2/8. In this case, the quotes may rise to 3/8.

On M15, a breakaway of the lower border of VoltyChannel will increase the probability of falling.

Article By RoboForex.com

Attention!
Forecasts presented in this section only reflect the author’s private opinion and should not be considered as guidance for trading. RoboForex LP bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations described in these analytical reviews.

Financial News Forex and Currency News

09 Sep

Ichimoku Cloud Analysis 09.09.2022 (USDCHF, GBPUSD, USDCAD)

Article By RoboForex.com

USDCHF, “US Dollar vs Swiss Franc”

The pair is testing the support area. It is moving under the Ichimoku Cloud, indicating a downtrend. A test of the lower border of the Cloud is expected at 0.9715, followed by falling to 0.9495. An additional signal confirming the decline will be a bounce off the upper border of the descending channel. The scenario can be cancelled by a breakaway of the upper border of the Cloud and securing above 0.9835, which will mean further growth to 0.9925.

GBPUSD, “Great Britain Pound vs US Dollar”

The pair has escaped the bearish channel, going inside the Ichimoku Cloud, which means a flat. Another test of the lower border of the Cloud at 1.1575 is expected, followed by growth to 1.1845. A signal confirming the growth will be a bounce off the upper border of the descending channel. The scenario can be cancelled by a breakaway of the lower border of the Cloud and securing under 1.1475, which will entail further falling to 1.1385. The growth will be confirmed by a breakaway of the upper border of the Cloud and securing above 1.1705.

USDCAD, “US Dollar vs Canadian Dollar”

The pair remains inside a strong descending impulse, going under the Ichimoku Cloud, which means a downtrend. A test of the lower border of the Cloud at 1.3035 is expected, followed by a decline to 1.2890. An additional signal confirming the decline will be a bounce off the lower border of the bullish channel. The scenario can be cancelled by a breakaway of the upper border of the Cloud and securing above 1.3175, which will entail further growth to 1.3265.

Article By RoboForex.com

Financial News Forex and Currency News

09 Sep

The Analytical Overview of the Main Currency Pairs on 2022.09.09

By JustForex

The EUR/USD currency pair

Technical indicators of the currency pair:

Prev Open: 1.0006
Prev Close: 0.9903
% chg. over the last day: -0.13 %

The European Central Bank raised its three official interest rates by 75 basis points, the largest interest rate change in ECB history. The Central Bank also warned of further hikes as it struggled to get record-high inflation back under control. “Based on its current assessment, the Governing Council expects to raise interest rates even further in the next few meetings to reduce demand and guard against the risk of persistent increases in inflation expectations,” the ECB said in a statement. Goldman Sachs recommends investors sell the euro against the Swiss franc after the ECB’s record rate hike, as they believe it is likely that the Swiss National Bank will want to take action to stop the franc from depreciating.

Trading recommendations

Support levels: 1.0016, 0.9971, 0.9912
Resistance levels: 1.0077, 1.0111, 1.0150

From the technical point of view, the trend on the EUR/USD currency pair on the hourly time frame is bearish, but the price is trading at the priority change level, and the probability of a trend change is very high. Technically, the price is still trading in a wide balance with a range of 0.9912-1.0077. The MACD indicator became positive, there is buying pressure. Under such market conditions, buy trades are best sought on intraday time frames from the support level of 1.0016 or 0.9971. Sell trades can be considered from the resistance levels of 1.0077, but only after an additional confirmation in the form of a false breakout of the level and reverse initiative.

Alternative scenario: if the price breaks out of the 1.0077 resistance level and fixes above, the uptrend will likely resume.

News feed for 2022.09.09:

– US FOMC Member George Speaks (m/m) at 19:00 (GMT+3).

The GBP/USD currency pair

Technical indicators of the currency pair:

Prev Open: 1.1514
Prev Close: 1.1502
% chg. over the last day: -0.10 %

British Prime Minister Liz Truss on Thursday announced a broad stimulus package to help Britons cope with rising energy bills and attract investment in the energy sector. In her first major step in her leadership position, Truss announced that households will pay no more than 2,500 pounds ($2,880) a year each of the next two years. The restriction will take effect October 1. According to politicians, such a move will reduce inflation to 5%. A similar guarantee for businesses will be in effect for the next six months. Then further support will be given to vulnerable sectors. Reports also indicate that there will be a £40 billion package to support businesses with their energy costs, bringing the total expected amount of support measures to 180 billion.

Trading recommendations

Support levels: 1.1518, 1.1449, 1.1400
Resistance levels: 1.1669, 1.1816, 1.1901, 1.1994, 1.2035, 1.2167

From the technical point of view, the trend on the GBP/USD currency pair on the hourly time frame is bearish. At the moment, the price is trading at the level of moving averages, and the MACD indicator is positive again. It is best to look for sell trades on intraday time frames, the nearest resistance level is 1.1669. Buy trades can be considered from the support level of 1.1518, but only with confirmation.

Alternative scenario: if the price breaks out through the 1.1669 resistance level and fixes above, the uptrend will likely resume.

There is no news feed for today.

The USD/JPY currency pair

Technical indicators of the currency pair:

Prev Open: 142.70
Prev Close: 143.74
% chg. over the last day: +0.72 %

Japan’s GDP increased from 2.2% to 3.5% (y/y) in the second quarter, showing confidence in the economy. But it had little effect on the Japanese Yen. The dollar index rose against the yen on Thursday amid new announcements by Fed officials to raise the rate by 0.75% at the September 20-21 meeting. USD/JPY quotes have been rising for 9 out of the last 10 trading sessions. Analysts say the worst is not over for the Japanese yen, and it could fall even more in the coming months. Analysts think that the rate can easily go to 150 or even 160.

Trading recommendations

Support levels: 142.83, 141.77, 141.00, 139.61, 138.78, 137.65, 136.80, 135.20
Resistance levels: 144.05, 145.00

From the technical point of view, the medium-term trend on the currency pair USD/JPY is bullish. Today, the price has fallen below the average lines, the buyers’ pressure has eased. The MACD indicator has become negative. Under such market conditions, buy trades can be sought from the support level 142.83 or 141.77, but with additional confirmation. Sell positions can be searched for on the intraday time frames from the level of 144.05, but only with an additional confirmation, because fundamentally USD/JPY quotes are inclined to grow.

Alternative scenario: If the price fixes below 141.00, the downtrend will likely resume.

There is no news feed for today.

The USD/CAD currency pair

Technical indicators of the currency pair:

Prev Open: 1.3119
Prev Close: 1.3089
% chg. over the last day: -0.23 %

The Canadian dollar is a commodity currency, so it is highly dependent on the dynamics of oil prices as well as the dynamics of the dollar index. At the moment, the Canadian dollar is strengthening for two reasons. The first is that the Bank of Canada is holding the highest interest rate among major economies. The second is that crude oil prices increased by 1% on Thursday after falling to a seven-month low in the previous session, as Russia threatened to halt oil and gas exports to some buyers.

Trading recommendations

Support levels: 1.3020, 1.2989, 1.2958, 1.2936, 1.2900
Resistance levels: 1.3108, 1.3220

From the point of view of technical analysis, the trend on the USD/CAD currency pair is bullish. The price is now trading below the moving averages, the MACD indicator has become negative, and there is slight seller pressure. Under such market conditions, buy trades should be considered on the lower time frames from the support level 1.3020, but only with confirmation. For sell deals, it is best to consider the resistance level of 1.3108, but only after the additional confirmation.

Alternative scenario: if the price breaks down and consolidates below the 1.3020 support level, the downtrend will likely resume.

News feed for 2022.09.09:

– Canada Unemployment Rate (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3).

By JustForex

Financial News Forex and Currency News

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