Financial News

Archive for Financial News – Page 93

EUR/USD Holds Steady Ahead of Crucial Federal Reserve Meeting

The EUR/USD pair is trading neutrally around 1.0510 as market participants adopt a cautious stance ahead of the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates. With the December meeting set to begin tonight and conclude tomorrow, all eyes are on the potential rate adjustment. The prevailing expectation is a 25 basis point cut, with a 94% probability factored by market consensus. Additionally, there’s a 37% chance that this might be the only cut or that rates might not change at all in 2025, contributing to the current market apprehension.

As inflation concerns loom for 2025, influenced by uncertain policy decisions and economic stimulation measures, the Fed is expected to adopt a more cautious tone in its communications. This approach is aimed at providing the flexibility to respond effectively to economic indicators as they evolve.

Today, the market is also focused on the release of November’s retail sales and industrial production data from the US. These indicators are crucial for assessing the current state of the US economy and could influence the Fed’s policy direction.

Technical analysis of EUR/USD

H4 chart: the EUR/USD has recently completed a correction wave at 1.0533 and appears poised for a downward movement towards 1.0420. Following the achievement of this target, a corrective move to 1.0475 is expected. Post-correction, another decline towards 1.0340 may commence. The MACD indicator supports this bearish outlook, with its signal line below zero and trending downwards, suggesting further declines.

H1 chart: on the H1 chart, the pair has retraced from 1.0533 and initiated a downward wave targeting 1.0485. Upon reaching this level, the formation of a consolidation range is anticipated. A breakout below this range could lead to a continued descent towards 1.0440 and potentially extend to 1.0420. The Stochastic oscillator corroborates this scenario, with its signal line currently below 50 and expected to drop further towards 20, indicating a continuation of the bearish momentum.

Disclaimer

Any forecasts contained herein are based on the author’s particular opinion. This analysis may not be treated as trading advice. RoboForex bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations and reviews contained herein.

Financial News Forex and Currency News

16 Dec

Canadian dollar falls to a four-year low. France loses credit rating

By JustMarkets

At the end of Friday, the Dow Jones (US30) Index was down 0.20% (for the week -1.83%). The S&P 500 Index (US500) closed unchanged (for the week -0.52%). The Nasdaq Technology Index (US100) was up 0.76% (for the week +0.96%). The Nasdaq Technology Index hit a new record high on Friday, driven by investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and the technology sector. The rally was fueled by Broadcom (AVGO) shares’ impressive 19% gain after the company reported better-than-expected earnings and posted a strong 220% increase in AI-related annual revenue, underscoring the growing demand for artificial intelligence chips. This upbeat report helped boost other semiconductor stocks, including Nvidia (+1.2%) and Micron Technology (+2.7%).

The Canadian dollar fell to 1.42 per USD in December, the lowest since March 2020, amid the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) dovish stance. The Central Bank recently cut its key benchmark rate by a significant 50 bps to 3.25%, reducing the appeal of the loonie and widening the interest rate differential between Canada and the US. The decision followed rising unemployment and slower-than-expected economic growth, prompting the Bank of Canada to take measures to support the economy.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly down on Friday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 0.01% (for the week -0.27%), France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.15% (for the week -1.00%), Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) fell 0.11% (for the week -2.82%), and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed down 0.14% (for the week -0.10%).

Rating agency Moody’s downgraded France to ‘Aa3’ from ‘Aa2’, citing concerns that the country’s public finances will be significantly weakened by political fragmentation that will limit the scope and scale of large deficit reduction measures for the foreseeable future. On the political front, French President Macron nominated Francois Bayrou as the new Prime Minister and eased the political risks weighing on French assets.

The UK GDP data showed that the UK economy contracted by 0.1% (expectation of +0.1% growth) in October. This unexpected decline was the second consecutive monthly drop and did not match moderate growth expectations. The weak data fueled hopes for an earlier rate cut by the Bank of England next year.

On Friday, WTI crude oil prices rose by 1.8% to settle at $71.30 per barrel, the highest since November 7, and up 6% for the week thanks to tightening global supplies and rising fuel demand. The rally was fueled by expectations of sanctions against Russia and Iran, lower interest rate estimates in the US and Europe, and supportive measures for China’s economy.

The US natural gas prices fell to $3.30 million barrels per ton (MMBtu), retreating from a 13-month-high amid rising supply. Producers are ramping up production, anticipating higher winter demand and increased exports from liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants.

Asian markets traded flat last week. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) rose by 0.35%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) declined 0.79%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) gained 1.21%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was negative 1.48%.

The director of the People’s Bank of China’s (PBoC) research bureau said China will cut interest rates and reserve requirements next year. Friday’s data showed Chinese banks issued 580 billion yuan of new loans in November 2024, well below market expectations of 950 billion yuan and less than half of the 1.170 trillion yuan in the corresponding period last year, indicating weak credit demand in the mainland. Last Thursday, China said it would widen its budget deficit, issue more debt, and loosen monetary policy to keep economic growth stable.

S&P 500 (US500) 6,051.09 −0.16 (−0.03%)

Dow Jones (US30) 43,828.06 −86.06 (−0.20%)

DAX (DE40) 20,405.92 −20.35 (−0.10%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 8,300.33 −11.43 (−0.14%)

USD Index 106.95 −0.01 (−0.01%)

News feed for: 2024.12.16

Australia Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 00:00 (GMT+2);
Australia Services PMI (m/m) at 00:00 (GMT+2);
Japan Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 02:30 (GMT+2);
Japan Services PMI (m/m) at 02:30 (GMT+2);
China Industrial Production (m/m) at 04:00 (GMT+2);
China Retail Sales (m/m) at 04:00 (GMT+2);
China Unemployment Rate (m/m) at 04:00 (GMT+2);
Switzerland Producer Price Index (m/m) at 09:30 (GMT+2);
German Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 10:30 (GMT+2);
German Services PMI (m/m) at 10:30 (GMT+2);
Eurozone ECB President Lagarde Speaks at 10:35 (GMT+2);
Eurozone Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 11:00 (GMT+2);
Eurozone Services PMI (m/m) at 11:00 (GMT+2);
UK Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 11:30 (GMT+2);
UK Services PMI (m/m) at 11:30 (GMT+2);
US Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 16:45 (GMT+2);
US Services PMI (m/m) at 16:45 (GMT+2);
Canada BOC Gov Macklem Speaks at 22:20 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

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.

Financial News Forex and Currency News

16 Dec

Japanese Yen Hits Three-Week Low as Bank of Japan Holds Rate Steady

By RoboForex Analytical Department

The USD/JPY pair climbed to 153.77 on Monday, reaching a three-week high. This movement reflects growing investor sentiment that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will maintain its current interest rate level and continue its pause on monetary policy tightening at this week’s meeting. Recent statements from the BoJ have indicated a need for more evidence to substantiate wage increases before considering rate changes.

Expectations of a BoJ rate hike had previously supported the yen, mitigating external pressures. However, confidence in the BoJ’s commitment to tightening seems to wane as time progresses.

Despite this, Japan’s domestic economic indicators appear positive. October’s primary machinery and equipment orders surpassed expectations, and recent reports have shown improvement in both manufacturing and service sector activity in December.

BoJ policymakers are increasingly unconcerned about the weakening yen’s potential to accelerate inflation, which is already at desirable levels. However, further yen depreciation could push inflation higher, a scenario that remains on the central bank’s radar.

Technical analysis of USD/JPY

H4 chart: USD/JPY has established a consolidation range around the 151.51 level, from which it has continued its upward trajectory. The pair recently touched 153.93, and current technical setups suggest a potential consolidation below this peak. Should the price break downward, a corrective movement to retest 151.51 is possible, followed by another potential rise towards 154.40. The MACD indicator supports this view, with its signal line well above zero but indicating readiness for a downward correction.

H1 chart: The shorter-term H1 chart shows the USD/JPY forming a growth structure aimed at 154.40. After completing a consolidation around 152.70 and achieving a local high at 153.93, a correction back to at least 152.70 is anticipated. Following this correction, the market may initiate a new growth phase targeting 154.40. The Stochastic oscillator aligns with this analysis. It is currently positioned below 80 and poised to move down towards 20, suggesting an impending correction before further upward movement.

Disclaimer

Financial News Forex and Currency News

15 Dec

COT Metals Charts: Weekly Speculator Changes led by 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 December 10th 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 Gold

The COT metals markets speculator bets were overall lower this week as 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 Gold (15,850 contracts) with Copper (493 contracts) also recording positive weeks.

The markets with declines in speculator bets for the week were Platinum (-5,657 contracts), Silver (-2,095 contracts), Palladium (-386 contracts) and with Steel (-784 contracts) also seeing lower 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 Steel & Gold

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 Steel (86 percent) and Gold (85 percent) lead the metals markets this week. comes in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, Copper (43 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently and is the only market that is below the midpoint line (50 percent) of the past three years.

Strength Statistics:
Gold (84.9 percent) vs Gold previous week (78.9 percent)
Silver (68.2 percent) vs Silver previous week (70.8 percent)
Copper (43.4 percent) vs Copper previous week (43.0 percent)
Platinum (51.0 percent) vs Platinum previous week (64.4 percent)
Palladium (57.8 percent) vs Palladium previous week (60.6 percent)
Steel (85.7 percent) vs Palladium previous week (88.7 percent)

Gold & Steel top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that Gold (-1 percent) is leading the past six weeks trends for metals by falling the least in that time period. All of the metals markets are seeing negative 6-week trends with Platinum (-49 percent) recording the largest downside trend score currently.

Move Statistics:
Gold (-1.2 percent) vs Gold previous week (-13.8 percent)
Silver (-24.3 percent) vs Silver previous week (-29.2 percent)
Copper (-11.9 percent) vs Copper previous week (-20.5 percent)
Platinum (-49.0 percent) vs Platinum previous week (-34.0 percent)
Palladium (-26.2 percent) vs Palladium previous week (-4.1 percent)
Steel (-10.0 percent) vs Steel previous week (-3.5 percent)

Individual Markets:

Gold Comex Futures:

The Gold Comex Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 275,586 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 15,850 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 259,736 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 84.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 15.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 47.8 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

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

Gold Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	67.1	13.7	9.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	10.1	75.1	5.2
– Net Position:	275,586	-296,871	21,285
– Gross Longs:	324,332	66,025	46,448
– Gross Shorts:	48,746	362,896	25,163
– Long to Short Ratio:	6.7 to 1	0.2 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	84.9	15.4	47.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-1.2	2.4	-13.5

Silver Comex Futures:

The Silver Comex Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 41,165 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -2,095 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 43,260 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 68.2 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 28.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 61.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

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

Silver Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	48.0	24.1	20.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	20.7	63.7	7.9
– Net Position:	41,165	-59,843	18,678
– Gross Longs:	72,515	36,376	30,557
– Gross Shorts:	31,350	96,219	11,879
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.3 to 1	0.4 to 1	2.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	68.2	28.2	61.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-24.3	24.7	-15.1

Copper Grade #1 Futures:

The Copper Grade #1 Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 10,959 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 493 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 10,466 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 43.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 55.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 53.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

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

Copper Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	40.6	34.9	8.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	35.4	43.1	5.2
– Net Position:	10,959	-16,889	5,930
– Gross Longs:	84,585	72,711	16,766
– Gross Shorts:	73,626	89,600	10,836
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.1 to 1	0.8 to 1	1.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	43.4	55.9	53.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-11.9	15.0	-27.7

Platinum Futures:

The Platinum Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 14,829 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -5,657 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 20,486 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 51.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 40.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 95.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

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

Platinum Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	55.4	20.8	12.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	40.2	44.6	3.8
– Net Position:	14,829	-23,288	8,459
– Gross Longs:	54,105	20,299	12,146
– Gross Shorts:	39,276	43,587	3,687
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.4 to 1	0.5 to 1	3.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	51.0	40.7	95.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-49.0	40.7	39.9

Palladium Futures:

The Palladium Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of -6,029 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -386 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -5,643 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 57.8 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 40.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 78.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

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

Palladium Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	33.3	49.8	14.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	71.9	17.1	8.1
– Net Position:	-6,029	5,105	924
– Gross Longs:	5,205	7,770	2,194
– Gross Shorts:	11,234	2,665	1,270
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.5 to 1	2.9 to 1	1.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	57.8	40.4	78.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-26.2	24.7	5.2

Steel Futures Futures:

The Steel Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of -2,780 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -784 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,996 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 85.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 15.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 32.8 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

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

Steel Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	24.6	66.8	0.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	33.9	57.5	0.8
– Net Position:	-2,780	2,776	4
– Gross Longs:	7,354	19,961	250
– Gross Shorts:	10,134	17,185	246
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.7 to 1	1.2 to 1	1.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	85.7	15.2	32.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-10.0	10.6	-15.8

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.

COT Updates Financial News Metals

15 Dec

COT Bonds Charts: Speculator Changes led by SOFR 3M & 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 December 10th 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 SOFR 3M & 5-Year Bonds

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

Leading the gains for the bond markets was the SOFR 3-Months (209,405 contracts) with the 5-Year Bonds (70,670 contracts), the Ultra 10-Year Bonds (57,215 contracts), the SOFR 1-Month (47,335 contracts), the US Treasury Bonds (19,282 contracts) and the 10-Year Bonds (16,185 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The bond markets with declines in speculator bets for the week were the Fed Funds (-59,567 contracts), the 2-Year Bonds (-52,025 contracts) and the Ultra Treasury Bonds (-2,020 contracts) also having 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 Ultra Treasury Bonds & US 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 Ultra Treasury Bonds (92 percent) and the US Treasury Bonds (70 percent) lead the bond markets this week.

On the downside, the 2-Year Bonds (15 percent) and the 5-Year Bond (10 percent) come in at the lowest strength level currently and are in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent).

Strength Statistics:
Fed Funds (38.3 percent) vs Fed Funds previous week (49.3 percent)
2-Year Bond (14.7 percent) vs 2-Year Bond previous week (18.0 percent)
5-Year Bond (10.3 percent) vs 5-Year Bond previous week (6.5 percent)
10-Year Bond (25.3 percent) vs 10-Year Bond previous week (23.8 percent)
Ultra 10-Year Bond (43.9 percent) vs Ultra 10-Year Bond previous week (29.3 percent)
US Treasury Bond (69.7 percent) vs US Treasury Bond previous week (63.0 percent)
Ultra US Treasury Bond (91.7 percent) vs Ultra US Treasury Bond previous week (92.5 percent)
SOFR 1-Month (51.4 percent) vs SOFR 1-Month previous week (39.7 percent)
SOFR 3-Months (43.4 percent) vs SOFR 3-Months previous week (32.5 percent)

SOFR 1-Month & 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 SOFR 1-Month (51 percent) and the Ultra Treasury Bonds (36 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for bonds. The 2-Year Bonds (14 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

The Fed Funds (-45 percent), the SOFR 3-Months (-14 percent) and the 5-Year Bonds (-6 percent) lead the downside trend scores currently.

Strength Trend Statistics:
Fed Funds (-44.7 percent) vs Fed Funds previous week (-30.5 percent)
2-Year Bond (14.3 percent) vs 2-Year Bond previous week (11.3 percent)
5-Year Bond (-5.9 percent) vs 5-Year Bond previous week (-11.7 percent)
10-Year Bond (2.4 percent) vs 10-Year Bond previous week (-4.1 percent)
Ultra 10-Year Bond (-0.8 percent) vs Ultra 10-Year Bond previous week (-25.4 percent)
US Treasury Bond (5.3 percent) vs US Treasury Bond previous week (5.2 percent)
Ultra US Treasury Bond (35.8 percent) vs Ultra US Treasury Bond previous week (48.9 percent)
SOFR 1-Month (51.4 percent) vs SOFR 1-Month previous week (32.7 percent)
SOFR 3-Months (-14.2 percent) vs SOFR 3-Months previous week (-25.0 percent)

30-Day Federal Funds Futures:

The 30-Day Federal Funds large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -88,471 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -59,567 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -28,904 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 59.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 72.9 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:	10.8	71.9	2.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	16.5	65.9	2.8
– Net Position:	-88,471	95,143	-6,672
– Gross Longs:	170,536	1,131,257	36,896
– Gross Shorts:	259,007	1,036,114	43,568
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.7 to 1	1.1 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	38.3	59.3	72.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-44.7	41.0	30.4

Secured Overnight Financing Rate (3-Month) Futures:

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (3-Month) large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -327,476 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 209,405 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -536,881 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 43.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 57.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 82.5 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:	13.1	59.2	0.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	16.1	56.2	0.4
– Net Position:	-327,476	337,197	-9,721
– Gross Longs:	1,466,029	6,611,792	33,875
– Gross Shorts:	1,793,505	6,274,595	43,596
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.1 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	43.4	57.0	82.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-14.2	14.1	1.3

Individual Bond Markets:

Secured Overnight Financing Rate (1-Month) Futures:

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (1-Month) large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -69,330 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 47,335 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -116,665 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 51.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 48.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 53.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

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

SOFR 1-Month Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	18.8	67.6	0.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	24.2	62.1	0.0
– Net Position:	-69,330	69,643	-313
– Gross Longs:	238,301	858,711	131
– Gross Shorts:	307,631	789,068	444
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.1 to 1	0.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	51.4	48.7	53.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	51.4	-51.3	2.5

2-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 2-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -1,254,924 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -52,025 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,202,899 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 14.7 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 83.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 80.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

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

2-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	11.3	78.2	6.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	40.6	52.2	2.8
– Net Position:	-1,254,924	1,113,690	141,234
– Gross Longs:	481,986	3,348,411	260,916
– Gross Shorts:	1,736,910	2,234,721	119,682
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.5 to 1	2.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	14.7	83.8	80.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	14.3	-15.0	-6.2

5-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 5-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -1,790,430 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 70,670 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,861,100 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 10.3 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 88.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 73.5 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

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

5-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	6.9	85.1	6.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	36.5	57.3	5.0
– Net Position:	-1,790,430	1,682,114	108,316
– Gross Longs:	419,439	5,145,585	408,423
– Gross Shorts:	2,209,869	3,463,471	300,107
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.2 to 1	1.5 to 1	1.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	10.3	88.6	73.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-5.9	12.0	-14.6

10-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 10-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -875,716 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 16,185 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -891,901 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 25.3 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 78.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 77.9 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

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

10-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	9.9	79.1	9.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	29.6	60.7	8.0
– Net Position:	-875,716	815,384	60,332
– Gross Longs:	438,538	3,516,621	416,813
– Gross Shorts:	1,314,254	2,701,237	356,481
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.3 to 1	1.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	25.3	78.6	77.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	2.4	3.1	-11.3

Ultra 10-Year Notes Futures:

The Ultra 10-Year Notes large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -106,082 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 57,215 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -163,297 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 43.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 39.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 79.2 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	73.3	10.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	20.5	66.0	12.6
– Net Position:	-106,082	161,350	-55,268
– Gross Longs:	346,401	1,620,031	223,359
– Gross Shorts:	452,483	1,458,681	278,627
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.1 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	43.9	39.8	79.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-0.8	-7.0	15.0

US Treasury Bonds Futures:

The US Treasury Bonds large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -39,493 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 19,282 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -58,775 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 69.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 18.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 67.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

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

US Treasury Bonds Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	22.1	65.6	10.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	24.2	67.3	7.1
– Net Position:	-39,493	-31,489	70,982
– Gross Longs:	410,909	1,221,804	203,350
– Gross Shorts:	450,402	1,253,293	132,368
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.9 to 1	1.0 to 1	1.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	69.7	18.3	67.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	5.3	0.5	-11.5

Ultra US Treasury Bonds Futures:

The Ultra US Treasury Bonds large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -216,372 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -2,020 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -214,352 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 91.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 1.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 40.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

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

Ultra US Treasury Bonds Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	8.1	80.1	10.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	20.1	69.4	8.7
– Net Position:	-216,372	191,705	24,667
– Gross Longs:	144,422	1,433,739	180,858
– Gross Shorts:	360,794	1,242,034	156,191
– 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):	91.7	1.5	40.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	35.8	-51.7	31.6

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

Bonds COT Updates Financial News

15 Dec

COT Soft Commodities Charts: Weekly Speculator Changes led 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 December 10th 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 Corn & Soybeans

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

Leading the gains for the softs markets was Corn (87,195 contracts) with Soybean Oil (16,035 contracts), Soybeans (12,268 contracts), Sugar (9,012 contracts) Live Cattle (5,657 contracts), Soybean Meal (4,742 contracts) and Wheat (2,247 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The markets with the declines in speculator bets this week were Cotton (-5,938 contracts), Coffee (-4,653 contracts), Lean Hogs (-237 contracts) and with Cocoa (-188 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 Lean Hogs & Live Cattle

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 Lean Hogs (100 percent) and Live Cattle (90 percent) lead the softs markets this week. Coffee (86 percent), Soybean Oil (65 percent) and Corn (62 percent) come in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, Soybean Meal (15 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 (26 percent) and the Wheat (30 percent).

Strength Statistics:
Corn (62.4 percent) vs Corn previous week (51.3 percent)
Sugar (35.7 percent) vs Sugar previous week (32.6 percent)
Coffee (86.4 percent) vs Coffee previous week (90.9 percent)
Soybeans (26.2 percent) vs Soybeans previous week (23.3 percent)
Soybean Oil (64.9 percent) vs Soybean Oil previous week (56.1 percent)
Soybean Meal (15.4 percent) vs Soybean Meal previous week (13.5 percent)
Live Cattle (89.7 percent) vs Live Cattle previous week (83.6 percent)
Lean Hogs (99.8 percent) vs Lean Hogs previous week (100.0 percent)
Cotton (17.9 percent) vs Cotton previous week (21.9 percent)
Cocoa (47.7 percent) vs Cocoa previous week (47.9 percent)
Wheat (30.1 percent) vs Wheat previous week (28.3 percent)

Lean Hogs & Live Cattle top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that Lean Hogs (24 percent) and Live Cattle (23 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for soft commodities. Corn (18 percent) is the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

Wheat (-29 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with Soybean Meal (-23 percent), Soybean Oil (-12 percent) and Cotton (-5 percent) following next with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
Corn (18.0 percent) vs Corn previous week (15.2 percent)
Sugar (5.1 percent) vs Sugar previous week (-1.8 percent)
Coffee (-3.1 percent) vs Coffee previous week (0.4 percent)
Soybeans (1.4 percent) vs Soybeans previous week (-4.8 percent)
Soybean Oil (-11.8 percent) vs Soybean Oil previous week (-23.1 percent)
Soybean Meal (-23.1 percent) vs Soybean Meal previous week (-42.0 percent)
Live Cattle (22.6 percent) vs Live Cattle previous week (26.2 percent)
Lean Hogs (23.8 percent) vs Lean Hogs previous week (33.1 percent)
Cotton (-5.2 percent) vs Cotton previous week (-4.2 percent)
Cocoa (-0.4 percent) vs Cocoa previous week (-3.9 percent)
Wheat (-28.9 percent) vs Wheat previous week (-35.3 percent)

Individual Soft Commodities Markets:

CORN Futures:

The CORN large speculator standing this week reached a net position of 224,423 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 137,228 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 62.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 38.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 53.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

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

CORN Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	29.4	44.7	7.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	15.2	56.3	10.2
– Net Position:	224,423	-183,482	-40,941
– Gross Longs:	465,806	707,447	121,307
– Gross Shorts:	241,383	890,929	162,248
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.9 to 1	0.8 to 1	0.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	62.4	38.1	53.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	18.0	-19.5	7.3

SUGAR Futures:

The SUGAR large speculator standing this week reached a net position of 97,327 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 9,012 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 88,315 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 35.7 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 63.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 43.8 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

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

SUGAR Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	25.5	50.5	7.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	15.0	63.0	5.8
– Net Position:	97,327	-115,926	18,599
– Gross Longs:	237,266	469,791	72,554
– Gross Shorts:	139,939	585,717	53,955
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.7 to 1	0.8 to 1	1.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	35.7	63.1	43.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	5.1	0.4	-20.9

COFFEE Futures:

The COFFEE large speculator standing this week reached a net position of 62,074 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -4,653 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 66,727 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 86.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 13.3 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.

COFFEE Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	37.3	34.8	4.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	6.9	66.7	3.1
– Net Position:	62,074	-65,126	3,052
– Gross Longs:	76,217	71,110	9,346
– Gross Shorts:	14,143	136,236	6,294
– Long to Short Ratio:	5.4 to 1	0.5 to 1	1.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	86.4	13.3	63.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-3.1	2.8	5.0

SOYBEANS Futures:

The SOYBEANS large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -86,216 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 12,268 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -98,484 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 26.2 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 74.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 69.8 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

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

SOYBEANS Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	17.6	55.6	5.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	27.0	44.4	7.3
– Net Position:	-86,216	102,553	-16,337
– Gross Longs:	160,946	508,774	50,637
– Gross Shorts:	247,162	406,221	66,974
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.7 to 1	1.3 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	26.2	74.1	69.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	1.4	-1.1	-3.7

SOYBEAN OIL Futures:

The SOYBEAN OIL large speculator standing this week reached a net position of 42,863 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 16,035 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 26,828 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 64.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 37.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 44.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

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

SOYBEAN OIL Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	25.6	52.8	5.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	18.0	61.8	4.5
– Net Position:	42,863	-50,751	7,888
– Gross Longs:	144,344	298,265	33,370
– Gross Shorts:	101,481	349,016	25,482
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.4 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	64.9	37.9	44.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-11.8	9.4	9.8

SOYBEAN MEAL Futures:

The SOYBEAN MEAL large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -29,228 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 4,742 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -33,970 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 15.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 79.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 64.6 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:	22.1	44.9	9.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	26.9	44.0	5.2
– Net Position:	-29,228	5,021	24,207
– Gross Longs:	135,659	275,022	55,954
– Gross Shorts:	164,887	270,001	31,747
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.0 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	15.4	79.7	64.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-23.1	23.4	-12.1

LIVE CATTLE Futures:

The LIVE CATTLE large speculator standing this week reached a net position of 102,701 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 5,657 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 97,044 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 89.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 27.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 0.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

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

LIVE CATTLE Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	49.2	30.2	6.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	19.0	53.2	14.1
– Net Position:	102,701	-77,914	-24,787
– Gross Longs:	167,119	102,578	23,110
– Gross Shorts:	64,418	180,492	47,897
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.6 to 1	0.6 to 1	0.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	89.7	27.3	0.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	22.6	-24.5	-2.9

LEAN HOGS Futures:

The LEAN HOGS large speculator standing this week reached a net position of 91,522 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -237 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 91,759 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 99.8 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 2.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 22.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

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

LEAN HOGS Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	49.6	29.2	5.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	24.3	51.3	9.0
– Net Position:	91,522	-79,905	-11,617
– Gross Longs:	179,204	105,332	20,747
– Gross Shorts:	87,682	185,237	32,364
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.0 to 1	0.6 to 1	0.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	99.8	2.6	22.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	23.8	-21.9	-24.1

COTTON Futures:

The COTTON large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -19,528 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -5,938 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -13,590 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 81.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 17.5 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

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

COTTON Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	25.7	47.0	5.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	34.1	38.7	5.7
– Net Position:	-19,528	19,378	150
– Gross Longs:	59,508	108,927	13,293
– Gross Shorts:	79,036	89,549	13,143
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.2 to 1	1.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	17.9	81.8	17.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-5.2	4.0	7.7

COCOA Futures:

The COCOA large speculator standing this week reached a net position of 36,977 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -188 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 37,165 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 47.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 49.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 68.8 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

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

COCOA Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	42.1	36.3	9.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	13.5	70.1	4.5
– Net Position:	36,977	-43,622	6,645
– Gross Longs:	54,366	46,915	12,396
– Gross Shorts:	17,389	90,537	5,751
– Long to Short Ratio:	3.1 to 1	0.5 to 1	2.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	47.7	49.3	68.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-0.4	1.0	-4.6

WHEAT Futures:

The WHEAT large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -59,290 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 2,247 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -61,537 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 30.1 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 72.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 30.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

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

WHEAT Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	29.7	38.8	6.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	43.6	23.7	7.9
– Net Position:	-59,290	64,282	-4,992
– Gross Longs:	126,404	165,145	28,783
– Gross Shorts:	185,694	100,863	33,775
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.7 to 1	1.6 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	30.1	72.4	30.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-28.9	26.2	20.1

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

COT Updates Financial News Soft Commodities

15 Dec

COT Stock Market Charts: Speculator bets led by S&P500 & MSCI EAFE

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 December 10th 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 & MSCI EAFE

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 (25,277 contracts) with the MSCI EAFE-Mini (13,237 contracts), the Russell-Mini (9,417 contracts), the Nasdaq-Mini (5,882 contracts) and the DowJones-Mini (571 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The markets with the declines in speculator bets this week were the VIX (-11,968 contracts) and with the Nikkei 225 (-139 contracts) also seeing 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 Nasdaq-Mini & 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 Nasdaq-Mini (94 percent) and the Russell-Mini (81 percent) lead the stock markets this week. The DowJones-Mini (78 percent) comes in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, the MSCI EAFE-Mini (49 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently.

Strength Statistics:
VIX (55.4 percent) vs VIX previous week (66.3 percent)
S&P500-Mini (52.3 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (48.5 percent)
DowJones-Mini (78.3 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (77.4 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (94.3 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (85.2 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (80.5 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (74.1 percent)
Nikkei USD (58.0 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (59.2 percent)
EAFE-Mini (49.4 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (35.3 percent)

Nasdaq-Mini tops the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the Nasdaq-Mini (47 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for the stock markets. The MSCI EAFE-Mini (18 percent) and the DowJones-Mini (2 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

The VIX (-40 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with the Nikkei 225 (-22 percent) coming in as the next market with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
VIX (-39.5 percent) vs VIX previous week (-33.7 percent)
S&P500-Mini (-21.8 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (-19.6 percent)
DowJones-Mini (2.4 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (-2.8 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (47.2 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (41.9 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (-9.6 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (-20.8 percent)
Nikkei USD (-21.6 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (-6.3 percent)
EAFE-Mini (18.1 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (3.8 percent)

Individual Stock Market Charts:

VIX Volatility Futures:

The VIX Volatility large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -45,170 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -11,968 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -33,202 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 46.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 75.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

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

VIX Volatility Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	19.4	45.9	8.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	32.2	33.0	8.7
– Net Position:	-45,170	45,739	-569
– Gross Longs:	68,746	162,472	30,353
– Gross Shorts:	113,916	116,733	30,922
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.6 to 1	1.4 to 1	1.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	55.4	46.9	75.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-39.5	41.1	-19.6

S&P500 Mini Futures:

The S&P500 Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -83,333 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 25,277 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -108,610 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 52.3 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 30.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 98.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

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

S&P500 Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	12.4	71.2	12.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	16.0	74.1	6.4
– Net Position:	-83,333	-66,801	150,134
– Gross Longs:	288,876	1,654,888	299,379
– Gross Shorts:	372,209	1,721,689	149,245
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.0 to 1	2.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	52.3	30.7	98.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-21.8	15.3	14.2

Dow Jones Mini Futures:

The Dow Jones Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of 11,071 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 571 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 10,500 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 78.3 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 14.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 91.9 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

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

Dow Jones Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	26.3	51.3	19.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	14.0	69.4	13.4
– Net Position:	11,071	-16,301	5,230
– Gross Longs:	23,614	45,997	17,256
– Gross Shorts:	12,543	62,298	12,026
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.9 to 1	0.7 to 1	1.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	78.3	14.6	91.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	2.4	-4.9	12.6

Nasdaq Mini Futures:

The Nasdaq Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of 35,573 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 5,882 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 29,691 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 94.3 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 81.8 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:	31.4	52.1	14.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	19.2	69.2	9.7
– Net Position:	35,573	-49,864	14,291
– Gross Longs:	91,735	152,035	42,649
– Gross Shorts:	56,162	201,899	28,358
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.6 to 1	0.8 to 1	1.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	94.3	0.0	81.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	47.2	-36.1	6.1

Russell 2000 Mini Futures:

The Russell 2000 Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -2,157 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 9,417 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -11,574 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 80.5 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 9.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 99.2 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:	14.2	74.9	8.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	14.6	79.6	3.4
– Net Position:	-2,157	-24,300	26,457
– Gross Longs:	74,100	390,127	44,304
– Gross Shorts:	76,257	414,427	17,847
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.0 to 1	0.9 to 1	2.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	80.5	9.0	99.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-9.6	1.7	31.9

Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures:

The Nikkei Stock Average (USD) large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -2,603 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -139 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -2,464 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 58.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 39.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 57.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

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

Nikkei Stock Average Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	1.5	58.1	19.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	18.7	45.9	14.3
– Net Position:	-2,603	1,844	759
– Gross Longs:	224	8,786	2,919
– Gross Shorts:	2,827	6,942	2,160
– 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):	58.0	39.3	57.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-21.6	11.3	17.3

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures:

The MSCI EAFE Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -17,963 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 13,237 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -31,200 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 49.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 49.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 44.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

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

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	9.0	88.1	2.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	13.0	85.3	1.4
– Net Position:	-17,963	12,546	5,417
– Gross Longs:	40,742	397,687	11,784
– Gross Shorts:	58,705	385,141	6,367
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.7 to 1	1.0 to 1	1.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	49.4	49.1	44.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bearish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	18.1	-20.1	11.9

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

COT Updates Financial News Stock Market News

13 Dec

The SNB unexpectedly cut the interest rate by 0.5%. Natural gas prices reached a two-week-high

By JustMarkets

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (US30) was down 0.53% on Thursday. The S&P 500 Index (US500) decreased by 0.54%. The Nasdaq Technology Index (US100) fell by 0.68%. The losses came amid signs of stagflation after US weekly jobless claims unexpectedly rose to an 8-week high, and November Producer Prices rose faster than expected, the fastest pace in nearly 2 years.

US weekly jobless claims unexpectedly rose by 17,000 to an 8-week high of 242,000, indicating a weaker labor market than expected down to 220,000. The US final Consumption Goods and Services Price Index for November rose by 3.0% y/y, exceeding expectations of 2.6% y/y and the largest increase in over a year. In addition, the November Price Index, excluding food and energy, was unchanged from October at 3.4% y/y, exceeding expectations of 3.2% y/y. Markets estimate the odds of a 25 bps rate cut at the December 17–18 FOMC meeting at 95%.

Adobe (ADBE) fell more than 13%, topping the list of losers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, after estimating 2025 revenue of $23.30-$23.55 bln, weaker than the consensus projections of $23.78 bln.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly flat yesterday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) rose by 0.13%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.03%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) fell by 0.21%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed up 0.12%. The ECB, as expected, cut the deposit rate by 25 bps to 3.00% from 3.25% and abandoned previous language that monetary policy will remain “sufficiently restrictive for as long as necessary.” The ECB lowered its 2024 eurozone GDP estimate to 0.7% from a previous projection of 0.8% and its 2024 Eurozone inflation prognosis to 2.4% from a previous one of 2.5%. ECB President Lagarde said the latest information indicates that the eurozone economy is losing momentum and will strengthen more slowly than expected.

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) cut its key rate by 50bps to 0.5% in December 2024, beating market expectations for a smaller 25bps cut. This is the fourth consecutive rate cut and the sharpest since January 2015, bringing borrowing costs to the lowest since November 2022. The decision came amid a decline in inflation from 1.1% in August to 0.7% in November. Inflation is projected to average 1.1% in 2024, 0.3% in 2025, and 0.8% in 2026, staying within the SNB’s target range. Swiss GDP growth is expected to be around 1% this year, rising slightly to 1–1.5% in 2025, supported by recent rate cuts.

Oil prices are targeting their first weekly rise in three weeks, helped by the prospect of tighter sanctions and hopes for improved Chinese demand following Beijing’s pledge to ease monetary policy next year. OPEC also cut its 2024 demand growth prognosis again, the fifth consecutive month of lower demand growth.

The US natural gas prices (XNG/USD) climbed above $3.4/MMBtu to the highest level in more than two weeks, driven by larger-than-expected withdrawals from storage reported by the EIA. For the week ending December 6, US utilities withdrew 190 billion cubic feet of gas from storage, well above the 170 billion cubic feet prognosis. This withdrawal was well above last year’s 72 Bcf and the five-year average of 71 Bcf for the same period.

Asian markets traded flat yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) fell by 1.09%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) rose by 1.38%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) gained 1.28%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was negative 1.37%.

The New Zealand dollar fell as low as 0.575 USD on Friday, ending at its weakest level in two years under pressure from a strong US dollar. The US dollar strengthened after US Producer Inflation rose more than expected, pushing Treasury yields higher. Domestically, expectations of a significant rate cut by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand have further weighed on the local currency. Markets currently see a 66% chance of a 50bp rate cut at the central bank’s February meeting, with the rate prognosis to fall to 3.10% by the end of 2025.

S&P 500 (US500) 6,051.25 −32.94 (−0.54%)

Dow Jones (US30) 43,914.12 −234.44 (−0.53%)

DAX (DE40) 20,426.27 +27.11 (+0.13%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 8,311.76 +10.14 (+0.12%)

USD Index 106.97 +0.26 (+0.25%)

News feed for: 2024.12.13

Japan Tankan Manufacturing (q/q) at 01:50 (GMT+2);
Japan Non-Tankan Manufacturing (q/q) at 01:50 (GMT+2);
German Trade Balance (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+2);
UK GDP (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+2);
UK Industrial Production (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+2);
UK Manufacturing Production (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+2);
Eurozone Industrial Production (m/m) at 12:00 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

Economics & Fundamentals Financial News

13 Dec

Week Ahead: USDJPY braced for central bank showdown

By ForexTime

Yen expected to be most volatile in G10 space vs USD

Fed seen cutting rates, BoJ to hold rates

Over past year Fed triggered moves of ↑ 0.5% & ↓ 1.3%

Over past year BoJ triggered moves of ↑ 1.1% & ↓ 0.7%

Bloomberg FX model: USDJPY has 72% of trading within 150.49 – 156.11 over 1-week period

Brace yourself!

Major central bank decisions could spark fresh trading opportunities across FX markets.

Our focus falls on the Yen which is expected to be the most volatile G10 currency versus the USD over the next one-week!

vol

The one-week implied volatility for the USDJPY has jumped to its highest level since early November, in the lead-up to the Thursday 19th BoJ meeting.

To be clear, traders are only expecting a 15% probability of a BoJ rate hike. However, any clues or confirmation of future moves could move the Yen.

yen 2

Rate decisions from the Federal Reserve and Bank of England coupled with high-impact data could make next week one to remember:

Monday, 16th December

CAD: Canada existing home sales, housing starts
CN50: China retail sales, property prices, industrial production
GER40: Germany HCOB Manufacturing and Services PMI, ECB President Christine Lagarde
JP225: Japan Jibun Bank Manufacturing and Services PMI, tertiary index, machinery orders
NZD: New Zealand food prices
UK100: UK S&P Global Manufacturing and Services PMI
USDInd: US Empire manufacturing index

Tuesday, 17th December

AU200: Australia consumer confidence
CAD: Canada CPI
GER40: Germany IFO business climate, ZEW survey
SG20: Singapore trade
UK100: UK jobless claims, unemployment
US500: US retail sales, industrial production, business inventories

Wednesday, 18th December

EUR: Eurozone CPI
GBP: UK CPI
USDInd: Fed rate decision

Thursday, 19th December

JPY: BoJ rate decision
SEK: Sweden rate decision
TWN: Taiwan rate decision
GBP: BOE rate decision
US30: US revised GDP, existing home sales, initial jobless claims, Nike earnings

Friday, 20th December

CAD: Canada retail sales
CN50: China loan prime rates
EU50: Eurozone consumer confidence
JP225: Japan CPI
USDInd: US personal income, spending & PCE inflation; University of Michigan consumer sentiment

Looking at the charts, the USDJPY is pushing higher on the daily timeframe. The recent break above the 200-day SMA has provided a platform for bulls to challenge 153.50.

usdhoy 2

A super central bank combo featuring the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan may ignite significant prices swings in the USDJPY.

Here is what you need to know:

1) Fed rate decision

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by 25 bps at its meeting on 18th December.

This is based around a cooling US labour market and recent inflation data matching expectations.

Traders are currently pricing in a 97% probability of a 25-basis point cut by December with the odds of another cut by March 2025 currently at 75%.

Note: Over the past 12 months, the Fed decision has triggered upside moves of as much as 0.5%, or as much as 1.3% in declines in a 6-hour window post-release.

The USDJPY may slip if the Fed moves ahead with a rate cut and signals further cuts in 2025.

If the Fed cuts rates but strikes a hawkish note, this may limit the USDJPY’s downside.

2) BoJ rate decision

Markets widely expect the BoJ to leave interest rateS unchanged at its meeting on 19th December.

So, investors will be more concerned with any fresh clues on future policy moves in 2025.

Traders are currently pricing in a 15% probability of a 25-basis point hike by December with the odds jumping to 70% by January 2025.

Note: Over the past 12 months, the BoJ decision has triggered upside moves of as much as 1.1%, or as much as 0.7% in declines in a 6-hour window post-release.

The USDJPY could tumble if the BoJ signals that rates will be hiked in January 2025.

Should the central bank sound dovish, the USDJPY is likely to rise as the Yen weakens.

3) Technical forces

The USDJPY has gained over 2% month-to-date with prices trading above the 21, 50, 100 and 200-day SMA. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is approaching overbought territory, suggesting that a technical throwback could be in the making.

A solid breakout and daily close above 153.50 may open a path toward 155.0. and 156.00.

Should 153.50 prove to be reliable resistance, this may trigger a selloff back toward the 200-day SMA and 150.50

usdjpy

Bloomberg’s FX model forecasts a 72% chance that USDJPY will trade within the 150.49 – 156.11 range, using current levels as a base, over the next one-week period.

Article by ForexTime

ForexTime Ltd (FXTM) is an award winning international online forex broker regulated by CySEC 185/12 www.forextime.com

Financial News Forex and Currency News

13 Dec

Gold Prices Recovered, But Future Hinges on USD Trends

By RoboForex Analytical Department

Gold prices stabilised around 2,690.00 USD per troy ounce on Friday. The quotes fell by almost 1% in the previous session, as investors assessed the latest US economic data. The statistics prompted a rally in the yields of US treasury bonds.

US manufacturing prices rose more than expected in November, fuelling concerns about the future trajectory of inflation, which could climb further and remain above the Federal Reserve’s 2025 target.

Meanwhile, initial claims for unemployment benefits reached a two-month high, significantly exceeding forecasts and underscoring risks of a deterioration in the US labour market.

Investors continue to expect the US Federal Reserve to lower interest rates by 25 basis points next week. They also anticipate future rate cuts in 2025, although their magnitude is uncertain.

A Federal Reserve rate cut is a positive signal for Gold. As the precious metal does not generate coupon yield, rate reductions lower the opportunity cost of holding Gold, making such investments more attractive for traders.

Technical analysis of XAU/USD

The Gold market has established a consolidation range around the level of 2,675.55. Following an upward breakout, a growth wave pushed the price to 2,726.26. A corrective movement towards 2670.66 is unfolding, after which another upward movement towards 2,743.85 is anticipated. This bullish scenario is supported by the MACD indicator, with its signal line positioned above zero and indicating upward momentum.

On the H1 chart, Gold is undergoing a correction towards 2,670.66. A rise to 2,697.77 could occur shortly, followed by a potential decline to the same level. Once this target is achieved, the possibility of initiating a new growth wave to 2,735.70 is expected, with a possible further extension to 2743.85. This analysis is corroborated by the Stochastic oscillator, whose signal line is currently above 50 and moving towards 80, suggesting continued upward potential.

Disclaimer

Financial News Metals

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