COT Bonds Charts: Speculator bets led by the 10-Year & 2-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 May 14th 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 the 10-Year & 2-Year Bonds

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

Leading the gains for the bond markets was the 10-Year Bonds (133,809 contracts) with the 2-Year Bonds (57,247 contracts) and the US Treasury Bonds (28,956 contracts) also having positive weeks.

The bond markets with declines in speculator bets for the week were the 5-Year Bonds (-162,256 contracts), the SOFR 3-Months (-65,115 contracts), the Ultra 10-Year Bonds (-62,155 contracts), the Fed Funds (-41,041 contracts) and with the Ultra Treasury Bonds (-15,038 contracts) also recording lower bets on the week.


Bonds Net Speculators Leaderboard

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


Strength Scores led by Fed Funds & 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 Fed Funds (89 percent) and the US Treasury Bonds (85 percent) lead the bond markets this week. The Ultra Treasury Bonds (52 percent) comes in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, the Ultra 10-Year Bonds (0 percent) and the 5-Year Bonds (9 percent) come in at the lowest strength level currently and are in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent). The next lowest strength scores were the 2-Year Bonds (33 percent) and the SOFR 3-Months (39 percent).

Strength Statistics:
Fed Funds (89.1 percent) vs Fed Funds previous week (97.8 percent)
2-Year Bond (32.7 percent) vs 2-Year Bond previous week (29.0 percent)
5-Year Bond (9.1 percent) vs 5-Year Bond previous week (19.5 percent)
10-Year Bond (50.6 percent) vs 10-Year Bond previous week (38.1 percent)
Ultra 10-Year Bond (0.3 percent) vs Ultra 10-Year Bond previous week (12.9 percent)
US Treasury Bond (85.0 percent) vs US Treasury Bond previous week (74.9 percent)
Ultra US Treasury Bond (52.2 percent) vs Ultra US Treasury Bond previous week (58.5 percent)
SOFR 3-Months (39.4 percent) vs SOFR 3-Months previous week (42.7 percent)


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

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the Fed Funds (36 percent) and the US Treasury Bonds (21 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for bonds. The 10-Year Bonds (21 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

The SOFR 3-Months (-39 percent) and the Ultra 10-Year Bonds (-27 percent) lead the downside trend scores currently with the Ultra Treasury Bonds (-7 percent) and the 5-Year Bonds (-3 percent) following next with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
Fed Funds (36.1 percent) vs Fed Funds previous week (67.7 percent)
2-Year Bond (-1.9 percent) vs 2-Year Bond previous week (-6.9 percent)
5-Year Bond (-2.7 percent) vs 5-Year Bond previous week (-0.9 percent)
10-Year Bond (20.7 percent) vs 10-Year Bond previous week (9.0 percent)
Ultra 10-Year Bond (-27.1 percent) vs Ultra 10-Year Bond previous week (-15.5 percent)
US Treasury Bond (20.9 percent) vs US Treasury Bond previous week (-1.4 percent)
Ultra US Treasury Bond (-7.4 percent) vs Ultra US Treasury Bond previous week (-7.3 percent)
SOFR 3-Months (-39.1 percent) vs SOFR 3-Months previous week (-34.5 percent)


Secured Overnight Financing Rate (3-Month) Futures:

SOFR 3-Months Bonds Futures COT ChartThe Secured Overnight Financing Rate (3-Month) large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -404,677 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -65,115 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -339,562 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 39.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 60.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 85.8 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 StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:13.359.40.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:17.255.50.5
– Net Position:-404,677408,357-3,680
– Gross Longs:1,389,5816,209,31849,269
– Gross Shorts:1,794,2585,800,96152,949
– Long to Short Ratio:0.8 to 11.1 to 10.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):39.460.785.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-39.138.93.2

 


30-Day Federal Funds Futures:

Federal Funds 30-Day Bonds Futures COT ChartThe 30-Day Federal Funds large speculator standing this week reached a net position of 95,924 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -41,041 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 136,965 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 89.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 11.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 70.0 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 StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:20.956.71.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:14.862.12.6
– Net Position:95,924-85,206-10,718
– Gross Longs:329,136894,23229,503
– Gross Shorts:233,212979,43840,221
– Long to Short Ratio:1.4 to 10.9 to 10.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):89.111.670.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bullish-ExtremeBearish-ExtremeBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:36.1-33.8-19.8

 


2-Year Treasury Note Futures:

2-Year Treasury Bonds Futures COT ChartThe 2-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -964,986 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 57,247 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,022,233 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 32.7 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 63.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 94.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

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

2-Year Treasury Note StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:13.478.66.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:37.358.03.3
– Net Position:-964,986832,486132,500
– Gross Longs:541,4113,178,396264,452
– Gross Shorts:1,506,3972,345,910131,952
– Long to Short Ratio:0.4 to 11.4 to 12.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):32.763.694.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-1.90.87.3

 


5-Year Treasury Note Futures:

5-Year Treasury Bonds Futures COT ChartThe 5-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -1,326,105 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -162,256 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,163,849 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 9.1 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 92.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 80.6 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.

5-Year Treasury Note StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:7.584.76.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:28.864.85.3
– Net Position:-1,326,1051,242,37183,734
– Gross Longs:469,3335,284,344412,489
– Gross Shorts:1,795,4384,041,973328,755
– Long to Short Ratio:0.3 to 11.3 to 11.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):9.192.980.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bearish-ExtremeBullish-ExtremeBullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-2.74.5-3.6

 


10-Year Treasury Note Futures:

10-Year Treasury Notes Bonds Futures COT ChartThe 10-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -347,811 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 133,809 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -481,620 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 50.6 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 40.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 72.7 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.

10-Year Treasury Note StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:11.876.19.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:19.668.19.3
– Net Position:-347,811351,641-3,830
– Gross Longs:522,3513,378,701409,062
– Gross Shorts:870,1623,027,060412,892
– Long to Short Ratio:0.6 to 11.1 to 11.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):50.640.072.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:20.7-23.8-7.6

 


Ultra 10-Year Notes Futures:

Ultra 10-Year Treasury Notes Bonds Futures COT ChartThe Ultra 10-Year Notes large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -276,454 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -62,155 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -214,299 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 0.3 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 99.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 71.1 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 StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:11.776.49.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:24.460.313.2
– Net Position:-276,454348,749-72,295
– Gross Longs:253,0581,655,031212,855
– Gross Shorts:529,5121,306,282285,150
– Long to Short Ratio:0.5 to 11.3 to 10.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):0.399.871.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bearish-ExtremeBullish-ExtremeBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-27.133.7-2.7

 


US Treasury Bonds Futures:

US Year Treasury Notes Long Bonds Futures COT ChartThe US Treasury Bonds large speculator standing this week reached a net position of 4,287 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 28,956 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -24,669 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 85.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 0.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 77.5 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.

US Treasury Bonds StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:16.768.512.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:16.471.310.0
– Net Position:4,287-46,30442,017
– Gross Longs:271,9191,116,694204,299
– Gross Shorts:267,6321,162,998162,282
– Long to Short Ratio:1.0 to 11.0 to 11.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):85.00.077.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bullish-ExtremeBearish-ExtremeBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:20.9-23.91.0

 


Ultra US Treasury Bonds Futures:

Ultra US Year Treasury Notes Long Bonds Futures COT ChartThe Ultra US Treasury Bonds large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -331,153 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -15,038 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -316,115 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 52.2 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 53.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 47.6 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.

Ultra US Treasury Bonds StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:8.980.410.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:28.961.19.7
– Net Position:-331,153319,43011,723
– Gross Longs:147,4541,332,490171,656
– Gross Shorts:478,6071,013,060159,933
– Long to Short Ratio:0.3 to 11.3 to 11.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):52.253.047.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBullishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-7.42.412.4

 


Article By InvestMacroReceive 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 Stock Market Charts: Speculator bets led by DowJones-Mini & Russell-Mini

By InvestMacro

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

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday May 14th 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 DowJones-Mini & Russell-Mini

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

Leading the gains for the stock markets was the DowJones-Mini (7,109 contracts) with the Russell-Mini (5,933 contracts) and the Nikkei 225 (651 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The markets with the declines in speculator bets this week were the S&P500-Mini (-15,589 contracts), the MSCI EAFE-Mini (-13,427 contracts), the VIX (-9,182 contracts) and with the Nasdaq-Mini (-1,235 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week.


Stock Market Net Speculators Leaderboard

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


Strength Scores led by DowJones-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 DowJones-Mini (86 percent) leads the stock markets this week. The VIX (63 percent) and Russell-Mini (62 percent) come in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

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

Strength Statistics:
VIX (63.1 percent) vs VIX previous week (73.0 percent)
S&P500-Mini (61.0 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (63.3 percent)
DowJones-Mini (86.0 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (74.4 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (44.1 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (46.0 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (62.3 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (58.1 percent)
Nikkei USD (56.7 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (51.1 percent)
EAFE-Mini (38.0 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (51.9 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 (13 percent) and the S&P500-Mini (8 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for the stock markets.

The MSCI EAFE-Mini (-20 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with the Russell-Mini (-7 percent) coming in as the next market with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
VIX (2.5 percent) vs VIX previous week (5.4 percent)
S&P500-Mini (7.9 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (23.8 percent)
DowJones-Mini (-1.3 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (-18.5 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (13.0 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (17.9 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (-7.0 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (-11.7 percent)
Nikkei USD (-2.1 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (-7.0 percent)
EAFE-Mini (-19.7 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (-6.3 percent)


Individual Stock Market Charts:

VIX Volatility Futures:

VIX Volatility Futures COT ChartThe VIX Volatility large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of -48,061 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -9,182 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -38,879 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 63.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 32.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 97.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

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

VIX Volatility Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:22.241.56.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:33.230.56.9
– Net Position:-48,06147,902159
– Gross Longs:96,769180,77530,036
– Gross Shorts:144,830132,87329,877
– Long to Short Ratio:0.7 to 11.4 to 11.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):63.132.197.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:2.5-6.217.3

 


S&P500 Mini Futures:

SP500 Mini Futures COT ChartThe S&P500 Mini large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of -25,284 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -15,589 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -9,695 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 61.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 29.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 76.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

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

S&P500 Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:13.171.013.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:14.474.58.6
– Net Position:-25,284-73,04798,331
– Gross Longs:273,3981,477,881278,004
– Gross Shorts:298,6821,550,928179,673
– Long to Short Ratio:0.9 to 11.0 to 11.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):61.029.876.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:7.9-7.2-0.2

 


Dow Jones Mini Futures:

Dow Jones Mini Futures COT ChartThe Dow Jones Mini large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of 15,773 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 7,109 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 8,664 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 86.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 10.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 60.5 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

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

Dow Jones Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:24.957.514.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:9.076.811.5
– Net Position:15,773-19,1773,404
– Gross Longs:24,73957,00614,802
– Gross Shorts:8,96676,18311,398
– Long to Short Ratio:2.8 to 10.7 to 11.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):86.010.460.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bullish-ExtremeBearish-ExtremeBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-1.30.90.9

 


Nasdaq Mini Futures:

Nasdaq Mini Futures COT ChartThe Nasdaq Mini large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of 3,170 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -1,235 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 4,405 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 44.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 40.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 89.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

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

Nasdaq Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:27.753.716.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:26.458.213.3
– Net Position:3,170-11,0687,898
– Gross Longs:68,869133,54341,056
– Gross Shorts:65,699144,61133,158
– Long to Short Ratio:1.0 to 10.9 to 11.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):44.140.489.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBearishBullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:13.0-10.42.8

 


Russell 2000 Mini Futures:

Russell 2000 Mini Futures COT ChartThe Russell 2000 Mini large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of -32,067 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 5,933 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -38,000 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 62.3 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 58.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

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

Russell 2000 Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:17.673.76.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:24.568.74.4
– Net Position:-32,06723,3328,735
– Gross Longs:82,124343,68729,283
– Gross Shorts:114,191320,35520,548
– Long to Short Ratio:0.7 to 11.1 to 11.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):62.335.558.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-7.07.4-5.7

 


Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures:

Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures COT ChartThe Nikkei Stock Average (USD) large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of -2,756 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 651 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -3,407 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 56.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 39.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 60.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

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

Nikkei Stock Average Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:11.365.523.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:28.757.014.3
– Net Position:-2,7561,3461,410
– Gross Longs:1,79810,3973,674
– Gross Shorts:4,5549,0512,264
– Long to Short Ratio:0.4 to 11.1 to 11.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):56.739.160.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-2.17.1-13.4

 


MSCI EAFE Mini Futures:

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures COT ChartThe MSCI EAFE Mini large speculator standing this week equaled a net position of -27,423 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -13,427 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -13,996 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 Bearish with a score of 38.0 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 48.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

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

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:5.990.82.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:12.585.81.4
– Net Position:-27,42321,2016,222
– Gross Longs:24,475378,43812,043
– Gross Shorts:51,898357,2375,821
– Long to Short Ratio:0.5 to 11.1 to 12.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):38.058.848.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-19.719.30.7

 


Article By InvestMacroReceive 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 Soft Commodities Charts: Speculator bets led higher by Corn & Wheat

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 May 14th 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 & Wheat

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

Leading the gains for the softs markets was Corn (31,578 contracts) with Wheat (12,370 contracts), Soybean Meal (8,815 contracts), Cocoa (1,396 contracts), Live Cattle (1,184 contracts) and Soybean Oil (1,021 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The markets with the declines in speculator bets this week were Lean Hogs (-6,315 contracts), Soybeans (-5,927 contracts), Coffee (-5,666 contracts), Sugar (-2,670 contracts) and with Cotton (-1,737 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week.


Soft Commodities Net Speculators Leaderboard

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


Strength Scores led by Coffee & Wheat

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that Coffee (82 percent) and Wheat (64 percent) lead the softs markets this week. Soybean Meal (61 percent) and Lean Hogs (56 percent) come in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, Sugar (0 percent), Soybean Oil (4 percent) and Cotton (14 percent) come in at the lowest strength levels currently and are in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent).

Strength Statistics:
Corn (33.9 percent) vs Corn previous week (29.9 percent)
Sugar (0.0 percent) vs Sugar previous week (1.0 percent)
Coffee (81.7 percent) vs Coffee previous week (87.2 percent)
Soybeans (31.0 percent) vs Soybeans previous week (32.4 percent)
Soybean Oil (3.6 percent) vs Soybean Oil previous week (3.0 percent)
Soybean Meal (61.4 percent) vs Soybean Meal previous week (57.7 percent)
Live Cattle (27.1 percent) vs Live Cattle previous week (25.8 percent)
Lean Hogs (56.0 percent) vs Lean Hogs previous week (61.2 percent)
Cotton (13.5 percent) vs Cotton previous week (14.8 percent)
Cocoa (38.5 percent) vs Cocoa previous week (37.1 percent)
Wheat (63.7 percent) vs Wheat previous week (55.2 percent)


Soybean Meal & Wheat top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that Soybean Meal (50 percent) and Wheat (38 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for soft commodities. Corn (23 percent) and Soybeans (22 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

Cotton (-62 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with Sugar (-33 percent), Soybean Oil (-29 percent) and Live Cattle (-17 percent) following next with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
Corn (23.1 percent) vs Corn previous week (18.7 percent)
Sugar (-33.1 percent) vs Sugar previous week (-26.0 percent)
Coffee (-10.0 percent) vs Coffee previous week (6.7 percent)
Soybeans (21.7 percent) vs Soybeans previous week (22.1 percent)
Soybean Oil (-28.6 percent) vs Soybean Oil previous week (-26.1 percent)
Soybean Meal (49.7 percent) vs Soybean Meal previous week (42.5 percent)
Live Cattle (-16.6 percent) vs Live Cattle previous week (-25.3 percent)
Lean Hogs (-9.1 percent) vs Lean Hogs previous week (3.0 percent)
Cotton (-62.0 percent) vs Cotton previous week (-60.6 percent)
Cocoa (-5.8 percent) vs Cocoa previous week (-10.0 percent)
Wheat (38.1 percent) vs Wheat previous week (30.5 percent)


Individual Soft Commodities Markets:

CORN Futures:

CORN Futures COT ChartThe CORN large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 224 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 31,578 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -31,354 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 33.9 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 67.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 53.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

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

CORN Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:22.341.89.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:22.339.111.8
– Net Position:22440,405-40,629
– Gross Longs:337,217632,478138,445
– Gross Shorts:336,993592,073179,074
– Long to Short Ratio:1.0 to 11.1 to 10.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):33.967.953.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:23.1-20.2-38.9

 


SUGAR Futures:

SUGAR Futures COT ChartThe SUGAR large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 25,891 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -2,670 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 28,561 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 0.0 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 0.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

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

SUGAR Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:25.353.07.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:22.254.49.0
– Net Position:25,891-11,459-14,432
– Gross Longs:209,791439,62360,523
– Gross Shorts:183,900451,08274,955
– Long to Short Ratio:1.1 to 11.0 to 10.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):0.0100.00.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bearish-ExtremeBullish-ExtremeBearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-33.135.1-39.4

 


COFFEE Futures:

COFFEE Futures COT ChartThe COFFEE large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 57,211 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -5,666 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 62,877 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 81.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 18.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 51.5 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

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

COFFEE Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:34.636.34.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:9.063.03.0
– Net Position:57,211-59,6942,483
– Gross Longs:77,22881,0229,092
– Gross Shorts:20,017140,7166,609
– Long to Short Ratio:3.9 to 10.6 to 11.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):81.718.651.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bullish-ExtremeBearish-ExtremeBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-10.09.48.3

 


SOYBEANS Futures:

SOYBEANS Futures COT ChartThe SOYBEANS large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -65,975 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -5,927 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -60,048 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 31.0 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 70.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 70.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

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

SOYBEANS Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:14.959.37.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:23.748.59.3
– Net Position:-65,97581,604-15,629
– Gross Longs:112,139446,69654,657
– Gross Shorts:178,114365,09270,286
– Long to Short Ratio:0.6 to 11.2 to 10.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):31.070.870.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:21.7-20.4-11.6

 


SOYBEAN OIL Futures:

SOYBEAN OIL Futures COT ChartThe SOYBEAN OIL large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -50,532 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 1,021 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -51,553 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 3.6 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 95.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 27.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

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

SOYBEAN OIL Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:20.153.25.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:29.544.55.2
– Net Position:-50,53247,1813,351
– Gross Longs:109,303288,45031,814
– Gross Shorts:159,835241,26928,463
– Long to Short Ratio:0.7 to 11.2 to 11.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):3.695.527.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bearish-ExtremeBullish-ExtremeBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-28.626.5-6.8

 


SOYBEAN MEAL Futures:

SOYBEAN MEAL Futures COT ChartThe SOYBEAN MEAL large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 82,785 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 8,815 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 73,970 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 Bullish with a score of 61.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 34.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 75.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

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

SOYBEAN MEAL Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:32.738.411.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:14.762.15.3
– Net Position:82,785-109,37026,585
– Gross Longs:150,611176,88550,993
– Gross Shorts:67,826286,25524,408
– Long to Short Ratio:2.2 to 10.6 to 12.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):61.434.475.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:49.7-52.854.6

 


LIVE CATTLE Futures:

LIVE CATTLE Futures COT ChartThe LIVE CATTLE large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 44,659 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 1,184 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 43,475 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 27.1 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 76.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 52.9 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.

LIVE CATTLE Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:36.935.010.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:20.448.912.6
– Net Position:44,659-37,742-6,917
– Gross Longs:100,00294,85727,263
– Gross Shorts:55,343132,59934,180
– Long to Short Ratio:1.8 to 10.7 to 10.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):27.176.652.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-16.618.9-0.4

 


LEAN HOGS Futures:

LEAN HOGS Futures COT ChartThe LEAN HOGS large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 32,041 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -6,315 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 38,356 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 56.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 44.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 58.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

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

LEAN HOGS Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:33.736.57.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:22.146.09.8
– Net Position:32,041-26,444-5,597
– Gross Longs:93,393101,19121,492
– Gross Shorts:61,352127,63527,089
– Long to Short Ratio:1.5 to 10.8 to 10.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):56.044.858.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-9.19.05.3

 


COTTON Futures:

COTTON Futures COT ChartThe COTTON large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 6,399 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -1,737 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 8,136 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 13.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 87.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 3.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

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

COTTON Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:30.844.05.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:27.945.96.7
– Net Position:6,399-4,249-2,150
– Gross Longs:68,15997,25912,682
– Gross Shorts:61,760101,50814,832
– Long to Short Ratio:1.1 to 11.0 to 10.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):13.587.53.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bearish-ExtremeBullish-ExtremeBearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-62.062.9-63.3

 


COCOA Futures:

COCOA Futures COT ChartThe COCOA large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 27,958 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 1,396 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 26,562 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 38.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 58.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 60.0 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.

COCOA Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:31.035.77.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:11.958.63.6
– Net Position:27,958-33,5685,610
– Gross Longs:45,31652,23110,914
– Gross Shorts:17,35885,7995,304
– Long to Short Ratio:2.6 to 10.6 to 12.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):38.558.460.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-5.86.4-5.3

 


WHEAT Futures:

WHEAT Futures COT ChartThe WHEAT large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -5,415 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 12,370 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -17,785 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 63.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 37.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 28.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

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

WHEAT Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:33.635.87.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:34.932.29.3
– Net Position:-5,41514,159-8,744
– Gross Longs:132,484141,47528,160
– Gross Shorts:137,899127,31636,904
– Long to Short Ratio:1.0 to 11.1 to 10.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):63.737.328.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:38.1-33.8-40.1

 


Article By InvestMacroReceive 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.

Stoxx Europe 600: What Signs of Investor Exuberance Keep Telling Us

By Elliott Wave International

Every day, you read news stories about the state of the economy and the stock market affecting consumer and investor behavior. The story goes something like this: When the economy and financial markets show signs of improvement, consumers start to spend more, and investors buy stocks.

But if you’re a student of Elliott waves, you understand that this type of thinking is precisely backwards. It’s consumer optimism and the resulting consumer spending that elevates the economic markets; and it’s the investors’ bullish mood that translates into a rising stock market as investors buy stocks.

Social mood, in other words, comes first. Consumer and investor behavior — bullish or bearish — follows.

That’s why social trends can give you clues as to where the financial markets are likely heading next. For example, exuberant investor optimism often appears near major stock market tops, while deep pessimism accompanies major lows.

Let’s look at a key European market as an example. Back in March, the pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index extended its rally to seven consecutive weeks. Most investors probably saw the strength as a reason to load up on European stocks. Readers of our European Financial Forecast, on the other hand, saw warning signs of exuberance flashing throughout society.

First, Lamborghini’s 2023 sales results showed an all-time record 10,112 cars sold last year. Lamborghini’s electric V12 Revuelto is sold out until late 2026 — a three-year wait! Luxury goods tend to be popular at extremes in positive social mood, as the stock market and economic prosperity approach major peaks. They tend to go out of favor when these trends reverse.

Second, a March 10 Bloomberg headline said, “One of the Most Infamous Trades on Wall Street Is Roaring Back.” The trade in question was the so-called short volatility trade, where traders sell products that track stock volatility. “Investors are sinking vast sums into strategies whose performance hinges on enduring equity calm.” According to data from Global X ETFs, short volatility bets nearly quadrupled in two years.

“Enduring equity calm” attitude among investors rang a bell. We had been here before. An earlier iteration of the same trade famously blew up on February 5, 2018, when the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) suddenly spiked 20 points and destroyed vast numbers of professional and retail portfolios. The spike coincided with a global stock market sell-off and a two-and-a-half-year period of volatility that left the S&P 500 where it started. In Europe, the Stoxx 600 had peaked three years before the S&P, so the stretch of zero returns lasted nearly six years. This chart of Europe’s VIX equivalent, the VStoxx Implied Volatility Index, illustrates a few of the infamous volatility spikes over the past quarter century.

Vstoxx Implied Volatility Index

In our view, the re-emergence of the short-volatility casino is a much larger version of 2018. Five years ago, traders were gambling with a little more than $2 billion within a small handful of funds. Today, a mind-blowing $64 billion is being bet using “ETFs that sell options on stocks or indexes in order to juice returns” (Bloomberg, 3/10/24). Whether they know it or not, these traders are relying on smoothly functioning markets that behave the same way today and tomorrow as they did yesterday or the day before.

The warning signs we see in investor and consumer behavior are worth heeding.

To predict the next move in European markets, I’ll continue to monitor social trends for clues. But more importantly, I’ll compare the Elliott wave price structures in stock market indexes to previous major junctures in those indexes. Tune in to The European Financial Forecast for my ongoing analysis, or sign up for our free newsletter, and I’ll send you occasional updates like this.

This article was syndicated by Elliott Wave International and was originally published under the headline Stoxx Europe 600: What Signs of Investor Exuberance Keep Telling Us. EWI is the world’s largest market forecasting firm. Its staff of full-time analysts led by Chartered Market Technician Robert Prechter provides 24-hour-a-day market analysis to institutional and private investors around the world.

Week Ahead: GBPNZD braces for double risk cocktail

By ForexTime 

  • RBNZ decision & UK CPI in focus
  • NZD best performing G10 currency MTD
  • GBPNZD trapped in 1500 pip range
  • Prices bearish on D1 charts
  • Bloomberg FX model: 76% GBPNZD – (2.0510 – 2.0924)

High impact events ranging from central bank decisions, key inflation data and speeches by policymakers may present fresh trading opportunities in the week ahead:

Sunday, 19th May

  • USDInd: Fed Chair Jerome Powell speech

Monday, 20th May

  • CN50: China loan prime rates
  • HK50: Hong Kong jobless rates
  • JPY: Japan tertiary industry index
  • TWN: Taiwan export orders
  • SEK: Riksbank Governor Erik Thedeen speech
  • US500: Fed speeches

Tuesday, 21st May

  • AU200: Australia consumer confidence, RBA minutes
  • CAD: Canada CPI
  • NGN: Nigeria rate decision
  • US30: Fed speeches

Wednesday, 22nd May

  • JP225: Japan core machinery orders, trade
  • NZD: RBNZ rate decision
  • ZAR: South Africa CPI
  • TWN: Taiwan jobless rate
  • GBP: UK April CPI
  • USDInd: FOMC minutes
  • NAS100: Nvidia earnings

Thursday, 23rd May

  • EU50: Eurozone PMI’s, consumer confidence
  • GER40: Germany manufacturing PMI
  • HK50: Hong Kong CPI
  • SG20: Singapore CPI, GDP
  • TWN: Taiwan industrial production
  • UK100: UK Manufacturing PMI

Friday, 24th May

  • CAD: Canada retail sales
  • GER40: Germany GDP
  • JP225: Japan CPI
  • NGN: Nigeria GDP
  • CHF: SNB President Thomas Jordan speech
  • SG20: Singapore industrial production
  • USDInd: US University of Michigan consumer sentiment

Our attention falls on the GBPNZD which has been trapped within a 1500-pip monthly range since August 2023.

Note: GBPNZD is a minor currency pair – one that does not include the USD but has at least one of the world’s majors.

However, prices have trended lower over the past few weeks. This could be based on shifting expectations over the Bank of England (BoE) and Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) next policy move.

Interestingly, Sterling is down against most G10 currencies month-to-date.

But the New Zealand dollar is flexing its muscles across the board.

Keep all the above in mind, here are 3 factors that could rock the GBPNZD.

    1) New Zealand rate decision

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is expected to leave rates unchanged at 5.5% next week.

So, investors will direct their attention toward the policy statement and media conference for clues on future policy moves. It is noteworthy that first-quarter inflation printed hotter than expected, injecting RBNZ hawks with fresh inspiration. Any more hawkish hints during the meeting may further push back bets around when the central bank will start cutting rates.

Traders currently see a 50% probability of a 25-basis point RBNZ cut by August with this jumping to roughly 95% by October.  

  • The GBPNZD could sink lower if the RBNZ strikes a hawkish note and suggests that rates will remain higher for longer.
  • If the central bank signals lower rates down the road, this could push the GBPNZD higher.

 

    2) UK April CPI report

The incoming UK April inflation report will likely impact bets around when the Bank of England will start cutting interest rates.

Markets are forecasting:

  • CPI year-on-year (April 2023 vs. April 2024) to cool 2.1% from 3.2% in the prior month.
  • Core CPI year-on-year to cool to 3.6% to 4.2%.
  • CPI month-on-month (April 2024 vs March 2024) to cool 0.2% from 0.6%.

Headline inflation is expected to cool significantly with core inflation figures tagging along. A drop in household energy prices over the past year is expected to be the main driver behind this. Should the CPI report match or even print lower than these expectations, it may encourage the BoE to cut rates sooner than expected.

Traders see a 62% probability of a 25-basis point BoE cut by June with a move in August fully priced in.

  • A soft UK inflation report could send the GBPNZD lower as sterling weakens.
  • Should the CPI report print above market forecasts, the GBPNZD may push higher.

 

    3) Technical forces 

Prices are under pressure on the weekly charts, currently testing the 50-week SMA and bullish channel. A solid breakdown below the 2.0700 could signal further downside.

Zooming into the daily, there have been consistently lower lows and lower highs. Prices are trading below the 50, 100 and 200-day SMA while the MACD trades below zero.

  • Sustained weakness below 2.0775 may open a path back towards 2.0500.
  • Should prices push back above the 200-day SMA, this could open a path back to 2.0900.

Bloomberg FX model now forecasts a 76% chance that GBPNZD will trade within the 2.0510 – 2.0924 range through next week.


Forex-Time-LogoArticle by ForexTime

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

Natural gas prices rose to a 4-month high. China released mixed data

By JustMarkets

At Thursday’s close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (US30) decreased by 0.10%, while the S&P 500 Index (US500) was down 0.21%. The NASDAQ Technology Index (US100) closed negative 0.26%. Stock indices initially set new record highs on speculation that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates this year. But by the end of the trading day, stock indices gave up early gains. They closed lower as comments from Fed President Cleveland Mester and Richmond Fed President Barkin pushed bond yields higher when they said interest rates should remain at higher levels for a long time. In addition, signs of continued price pressures pressured stocks after the Import Price Index, excluding oil for April, rose the most in 16 months.

Cisco Systems (CSCO) closed down more than 2%, topping the Dow Jones Industrials’ list of losers, after the company projected fourth-quarter revenue of $13.40–13.60 billion, below the average consensus estimate of $13.54 billion. Meta Platforms (META) closed down more than 1% after the European Union announced an audit of the company over concerns that its algorithms illegally exploit the weakness of children to addict them to Facebook and Instagram. Walmart (WMT) closed higher by nearly 7% after reporting a 3.90% increase in US comparable sales for the first quarter, beating the consensus prognosis of 3.42%. Shares of 3M Co (MMM) closed higher by more than 3% after Vertical Research upgraded the stock to a “buy” from a “hold” rating with a $140 price target.

Overall, positive first-quarter earnings results are supporting the stock. First-quarter earnings are expected to grow 7.1% YoY, well above the pre-reporting season guidance of 3.8%.

Equity markets in Europe mostly fell on Thursday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) lost 0.82%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.63%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) fell by 0.56%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed negative 0.09%.

WTI crude oil prices rose above $79 per barrel on Friday, helped by a recent decline in US crude inventories and growing optimism that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this year. EIA data showed that US crude inventories fell by 2.508 million barrels last week, declining in the second week and beating estimates for a 1.362 million barrel decline. The April data also pointed to a slowdown in the US consumer inflation, reinforcing expectations of a Fed rate cut that could support economic growth and energy demand.

The US natural gas futures rose more than 3% to $2.5/MMBtu, the highest in four months after the EIA reported a smaller-than-expected increase in storage inventories. The US utilities added 70 billion cubic feet of gas to storage last week, below market expectations of a 76 billion cubic feet increase. However, the report also showed that the US gas inventories are 30.8% above the 5-year average. Weather prognoses point to a shift to warmer-than-normal temperatures through May 31, which will increase gas consumption by power generators to meet electricity demand for air conditioning.

Asian markets were mostly up yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) rose by 1.39%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) gained 0.77% for the day, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) added 1.59% and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was positive 1.65%.

The offshore yuan slid to around 7.23 per dollar as traders reacted to mixed economic data from China. The latest data showed that industrial production rose more than expected in April, while retail sales rose less. While government incentives aimed at boosting production have shown to be effective, initiatives aimed at consumer spending, such as trade-in programs and tax cuts, have lagged behind. Further worrying is that data shows a further decline in real estate investment between January and April, raising concerns about the effectiveness of China’s real estate bailout plan. Meanwhile, China’s finance ministry auctioned its first batch of special treasury bonds on Friday, marking the start of a long-awaited economic stimulus program.

Malaysia’s economy grew by 4.2% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024, compared to initial and market estimates of 3.9%, and accelerated from the downwardly revised growth of 2.9% in the previous three-month period. This was the fastest economic growth in exactly one year, mainly due to positive contributions from almost all sectors.

S&P 500 (US500) 5,297.10 −11.05 (−0.21%)

Dow Jones (US30) 39,869.38 −38.62 (−0.10%)

DAX (DE40) 18,738.81 −130.55 (−0.69%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 8,438.65 −7.15 (−0.09%)

USD Index 104.51 +0.16 (+0.16%)

Important events today:
  • – New Zealand Producer Price Index (m/m) at 01:45 (GMT+3);
  • – China Retail Sales (m/m) at 05:00 (GMT+3);
  • – China Industrial Production (m/m) at 05:00 (GMT+3);
  • – China Unemployment Rate (m/m) at 05:00 (GMT+3);
  • – Japan Industrial Production (m/m) at 07:30 (GMT+3);
  • – Eurozone Consumer Price Index (m/m) at 12:00 (GMT+3).

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.

S&P 500 index hits record high amidst lower inflation

By RoboForex Analytical Department

The US stock market has surged to new heights, with the S&P 500 index reaching a record high of 5,325 points and the DJIA index touching 40,000 points. Investors are experiencing euphoria, spurred by the unexpectedly low US inflation figures released earlier.

Inflation has recently been a critical driver of market volatility, thus its stabilisation is a cause for significant optimism. The April CPI increase, lower than expected at just 0.3% month-on-month, suggests a potential return to a downward inflation trajectory. Year-on-year, the CPI climbed by 3.4% in April, a slight dip from 3.5% in March. Inflation peaked in June 2022 at 9.1%, and while there was progress, the current deceleration is encouraging for investors.

The April inflation report marked the first decline in year-on-year inflation since January 2024. The CPI rose slower, raising market hopes that the Federal Reserve might soon ease monetary conditions.

Technical analysis of S&P 500

On the H4 chart of the S&P 500 index, a consolidation range has formed around the 5188.0 level. With an upward breakout, extending the fifth wave to 5363.0 is possible. The growth link to 5315.0 has been executed, and we now expect a consolidation range to form around this level. A downward breakout could lead to a range expansion to 5250.5, while an upward breakout could extend to 5363.0. The market is developing the fifth wave of growth without any significant correction, and a sharp decline along the trend to 4735.0 could begin at any moment. This scenario is technically supported by the MACD indicator, with its signal line at the maximums and pointing strictly downwards.

On the H1 chart, the upward move to 5315.5 has been completed. A consolidation range is forming around this level, and a downward impulse to 5296.0 has been fulfilled. We expect a growth link to 5315.5 (testing from below) today. A downward breakout from the range could lead to a continuation of the decrease wave to 5250.5. The Stochastic oscillator technically confirms this scenario, with its signal line above 20 and expected to rise to 80, indicating a potential for continued growth.

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.

Stock indices have hit all-time highs. The Australian labor market is starting to cool down

By JustMarkets

At Wednesday’s close, the Dow Jones (US30) Index increased by 0.88%, while the S&P 500 (US500) Index was up 1.17%. The NASDAQ Technology Index (US100) closed positive 1.41%. All three indices hit all-time highs yesterday. Stocks rose on lower bond yields after US consumer prices declined as expected. In addition, reports on the US retail sales, the Empire Manufacturing Index, and the NAHB Housing Index were weaker than expected, raising the possibility that the Fed will cut interest rates this year.

The US Consumer Price Index for April declined to 3.4% y/y from 3.5% y/y in March, which was in line with expectations. The Consumer Price Index excluding food and energy (core) for April declined to 3.6% y/y from 3.8% y/y in March, matching expectations and the lowest in 3 years. The US retail sales for April were unchanged m/m, weaker than expectations of 0.4% m/m. However, retail sales excluding autos rose by 0.2% m/m in April, which was in line with expectations. The Empire’s Index of overall business conditions in the US manufacturing sector for May unexpectedly declined by 1.3 to 15.6, which was weaker than expectations for a rise to 10.0.

Markets estimate the odds of a 25 bps rate cut at 10% at the June 11–12 FOMC meeting and 38% at the next meeting on July 30–31.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly up on Wednesday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) rose by 0.82%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed up 0.17%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) added 1.10%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed positive 0.21%.

Yesterday’s bullish factor for the European indices was the dovish comments of ECB Governing Council representative Villeroy de Galhau, who said that Eurozone inflation data for April gives the ECB confidence that it will start cutting interest rates in June. The Eurozone industrial production for March rose by 0.6% m/m, stronger than expectations of 0.4% m/m. The European Commission predicts the Eurozone GDP growth of 0.8% in 2024, unchanged from the February estimate, and downgrades the Eurozone inflation projection for 2024 to 2.5% from the February prognosis of 2.7%.

WTI crude oil prices rose above $79 a barrel on Thursday, extending gains from the previous session, as a larger-than-expected decline in weekly US crude inventories supported oil prices. EIA data showed that US crude oil inventories fell by 2.508 million barrels last week, declining for the second week and beating prognoses for a decline of 1.362 million barrels. In addition, weak US inflation data for April bolstered bets that the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates in September, boosting the demand outlook. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency cut its prognosis for global demand growth this year by 140,000 barrels daily to 1.1 million.

Asian markets were mostly down yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) was up 0.08%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) decreased by 0.56%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) was not trading, while Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was positive 0.35%.

The flash data showed that Japan’s GDP contracted by 0.5% QoQ in Q1 2024, compared with market estimates of a 0.4% drop following a downwardly revised stagnation in the previous quarter. Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of the economy, contracted for the fourth consecutive quarter (-0.7% vs. -0.4% in Q4), worse than prognoses for a 0.2% decline and the sharpest drop in three quarters, as consumers continue to cut back amid high cost of living and low wages and in the aftermath of the Noto Peninsula earthquake earlier this year.

Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.1% in April 2024, compared to market prognoses and an upwardly revised 3.9% in the previous month. New data that the country’s wage growth unexpectedly slowed in the first quarter supported the RBA’s dovish outlook.

S&P 500 (US500) 5,308.15 +61.47 (+1.17%)

Dow Jones (US30) 39,908.00 +349.89 (+0.88%)

DAX (DE40) 18,869.36 +152.94 (+0.82%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 8,445.80 +17.67 (+0.21%)

USD Index 104.32 −0.69 (−0.66%)

Important events today:
  • – Japan GDP (q/q) at 02:50 (GMT+3);
  • – Australia Unemployment Rate (m/m) at 04:30 (GMT+3);
  • – US Building Permits (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3);
  • – US Initial Jobless Claims (w/w) at 15:30 (GMT+3);
  • – US Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3);
  • – US Industrial Production (m/m) at 16:15 (GMT+3);
  • – US Natural Gas Storage (w/w) at 17:30 (GMT+3);
  • – US FOMC Member Mester Speaks at 18:30 (GMT+3);
  • – US FOMC Member Bostic Speaks at 22:50 (GMT+3).

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.

Target Thursdays: USDInd, Soybean & EU50 hit targets!

By ForexTime 

  • USDInd bears take home 600 points!
  • Soybean: No fireworks but H1 bullish target hit!
  • EU50 secures ALL 4 bearish targets

The recent resurgence of the meme-stock mania and cooling US inflation data have certainly made this an eventful week for markets!

And more volatility could be on the horizon due to more data and speeches by numerous Fed officials.

Here are how these discussed instruments performed this week:

    1) Dollar loosens grip on throne

  • Where and when was Target Price (TP) published?

In our week ahead article published on Friday, 10th May:

We discussed how this could be a volatile week for the USDInd due to high impact data.

Our technical section highlighted how a “solid breakdown below 105.00 could encourage a decline toward the 50-day SMA and 200-day SMA.”

 

  • What happened since TP was published?

The USDInd collapsed like a house of cards on Wednesday after soft US inflation data reinforced bets around the Fed cutting rates in 2024.

Traders are now pricing in a 93% probability of a 25-basis point cut by September, with another one expected by December.

The dollar has weakened against every single G10 currency this week.

Note: USDInd could see more volatility this afternoon due to speeches from three Fed officials and more key data.

 

  • How much in potential profits?

600 points for traders who entered the USDInd from the 105.00 level and exited at the 200-day SMA.

 

    2) FXTM’s Soybean hits H1 target

  • Where and when was Target Price (TP) published?

There were no fireworks or explosive moves on FXTM’s Soybean this week, but it remains on breakout watch.

Still, on Tuesday we suggested that if “prices push back above the 50 SMA, this could open a path back to 1211.”

 

  • What happened since TP was published?

As discussed earlier, prices were trapped within a range on the H1 timeframe this week.

After bouncing from the 1188 level and breaking above the 50 SMA, prices hit the 1211 target price on Wednesday.

 

  • How much in potential profits?

Traders who took advantage of the breakout above the 50 H1 SMA and exited at 1211 would have caught a 1% move to the upside.

 

    3) EU50 tumbles past all bearish targets

  • Where and when was Target Price (TP) published?

This technical scenario (EU50) is based on the FXTM Signals that are released once a day, before the opening of the U.S. trading session.

These signals are designed around a trading instrument’s most influential factor – PRICE – making them a powerful asset to your trading strategy.

It can be found in the MyFXTM profile under Trading Services… FXTM Trading Signals. 

 

  • What happened since TP was published?

The EU50 was under pressure this morning due to downbeat corporate news from European companies.

 

  • How much in potential profits?

EU50 has hit all 4 bearish targets.

Traders who entered at 5104.5 and exited at the final target level of 5094.0 would have gained roughly 10 pips.

 

Feel like you missed out on these profits?

You can keep following our “Daily Market Analysis” for fresh trading ideas and opportunities across global financial markets.


Forex-Time-LogoArticle by ForexTime

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

JPY has sharply strengthened

By RoboForex Analytical Department

The yen’s exchange rate rose to the US dollar on Thursday in response to improving prospects for the Federal Reserve interest rate. The USDJPY pair has declined to 153.88.

After the US released up-to-date data on April inflation, the likelihood of a reduction in the cost of borrowing in the country increased markedly. Both the overall and the core consumer price index slowed in April, while retail sales stagnated. Hypothetically, an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve means a narrower gap between the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan’s monetary approaches, which is a positive signal for the yen.

Japan’s GDP statistics were weaker than expected, with Japan’s economy contracting by 2.0% y/y in Q1 2024 compared to the expected decline of 1.5%. The primary driver is weak private consumption, which has been declining for four consecutive quarters.

Such a report considerably complicates the operations of the Bank of Japan. The regulator needs to take actions to keep a balance between supporting the economy and fighting the consequences of the weak yen.

USD/JPY Technical Analysis

On the H4 chart, USDJPY has completed a corrective wave, reaching 156.76. Today, another decline towards 151.40 is forming. After the price reaches this level, a correction could start, aiming for 154.80 (testing from below). Subsequently, the trend might continue to 149.00 representing the first target of the decline wave. This scenario is technically confirmed by the MACD oscillator, with its signal line below the zero level, directed strictly downwards.

On the H1 chart, USDJPY has completed an impulse structure, reaching 154.80. A narrow consolidation range has formed around this level. Today, with a downward breakout, the price has reached the local target of 153.60. Next, a rise to 154.80 (testing from below) is expected, followed by another possible decline wave, aiming for 152.90 and potentially continuing to 151.40. Technically, this scenario is confirmed by the Stochastic oscillator, with its signal line above 20, poised to rise to the 80 mark.

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.