InvestMacro

COT Soft Commodities Charts: Speculator bets led by Soybean Meal & Soybeans

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 28th 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 Soybean Meal & 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 Soybean Meal (25,247 contracts) with Soybeans (19,074 contracts), Live Cattle (10,199 contracts), Soybean Oil (8,014 contracts), Cotton (7,870 contracts), Cocoa (3,679 contracts) and Coffee (3,647 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The markets with the declines in speculator bets this week were Corn (-9,805 contracts), Lean Hogs (-9,200 contracts), Sugar (-3,316 contracts) and with Wheat (-1,871 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week.

Soft Commodities Net Speculators Leaderboard

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

Strength Scores led by Coffee & Soybean Meal

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that Coffee (87 percent) and Soybean Meal (74 percent) lead the softs markets this week. Wheat (58 percent) comes in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, Sugar (0 percent), Cotton (14 percent) and Soybean Oil (17 percent) come in at the lowest strength levels currently and are in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent).

Strength Statistics:
Corn (27.3 percent) vs Corn previous week (28.6 percent)
Sugar (0.0 percent) vs Sugar previous week (1.1 percent)
Coffee (87.3 percent) vs Coffee previous week (83.8 percent)
Soybeans (40.4 percent) vs Soybeans previous week (35.9 percent)
Soybean Oil (17.2 percent) vs Soybean Oil previous week (12.3 percent)
Soybean Meal (74.4 percent) vs Soybean Meal previous week (64.0 percent)
Live Cattle (44.6 percent) vs Live Cattle previous week (33.6 percent)
Lean Hogs (40.9 percent) vs Lean Hogs previous week (48.5 percent)
Cotton (14.5 percent) vs Cotton previous week (8.6 percent)
Cocoa (43.2 percent) vs Cocoa previous week (39.4 percent)
Wheat (57.5 percent) vs Wheat previous week (58.8 percent)

Soybean Meal & Soybeans 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 (52 percent) and Soybeans (34 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for soft commodities. Wheat (34 percent), Corn (20 percent) and Live Cattle (19 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

Lean Hogs (-35 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with Cotton (-34 percent), Sugar (-19 percent) and Coffee (-13 percent) following next with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
Corn (19.5 percent) vs Corn previous week (18.9 percent)
Sugar (-19.3 percent) vs Sugar previous week (-32.7 percent)
Coffee (-12.7 percent) vs Coffee previous week (-13.8 percent)
Soybeans (34.4 percent) vs Soybeans previous week (26.8 percent)
Soybean Oil (3.8 percent) vs Soybean Oil previous week (-15.7 percent)
Soybean Meal (52.2 percent) vs Soybean Meal previous week (45.7 percent)
Live Cattle (19.2 percent) vs Live Cattle previous week (1.8 percent)
Lean Hogs (-35.2 percent) vs Lean Hogs previous week (-24.1 percent)
Cotton (-33.6 percent) vs Cotton previous week (-54.8 percent)
Cocoa (-1.3 percent) vs Cocoa previous week (-6.1 percent)
Wheat (33.7 percent) vs Wheat previous week (27.7 percent)

Individual Soft Commodities Markets:

CORN Futures:

The CORN large speculator standing this week was a net position of -51,632 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -9,805 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -41,827 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 27.3 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 74.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 55.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

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

CORN Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	21.9	42.2	9.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	25.3	36.3	11.7
– Net Position:	-51,632	90,934	-39,302
– Gross Longs:	337,903	650,550	141,411
– Gross Shorts:	389,535	559,616	180,713
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.9 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	27.3	74.6	55.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	19.5	-16.4	-39.8

SUGAR Futures:

The SUGAR large speculator standing this week was a net position of 5,105 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -3,316 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 8,421 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 2.2 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 Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	23.2	53.5	7.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	22.7	52.6	8.8
– Net Position:	5,105	8,283	-13,388
– Gross Longs:	203,331	468,232	63,624
– Gross Shorts:	198,226	459,949	77,012
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.0 to 1	1.0 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	0.0	100.0	2.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-19.3	16.0	-1.4

COFFEE Futures:

The COFFEE large speculator standing this week was a net position of 63,033 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 3,647 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 59,386 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 87.3 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 12.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 65.5 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.

COFFEE Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	34.7	35.0	4.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	7.7	63.4	2.6
– Net Position:	63,033	-66,372	3,339
– Gross Longs:	81,146	81,873	9,381
– Gross Shorts:	18,113	148,245	6,042
– Long to Short Ratio:	4.5 to 1	0.6 to 1	1.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	87.3	12.1	65.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-12.7	12.1	8.6

SOYBEANS Futures:

The SOYBEANS large speculator standing this week was a net position of -25,908 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 19,074 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -44,982 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 40.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 62.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 62.2 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.

SOYBEANS Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	16.1	57.2	6.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	19.4	51.7	9.2
– Net Position:	-25,908	44,728	-18,820
– Gross Longs:	129,688	459,817	54,827
– Gross Shorts:	155,596	415,089	73,647
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.1 to 1	0.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	40.4	62.2	62.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	34.4	-31.4	-28.2

SOYBEAN OIL Futures:

The SOYBEAN OIL large speculator standing this week was a net position of -28,264 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 8,014 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -36,278 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 17.2 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 81.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 41.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

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

SOYBEAN OIL Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	20.2	53.9	5.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	25.2	50.1	4.5
– Net Position:	-28,264	21,264	7,000
– Gross Longs:	112,590	300,740	31,971
– Gross Shorts:	140,854	279,476	24,971
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.1 to 1	1.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	17.2	81.3	41.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	3.8	-6.6	22.4

SOYBEAN MEAL Futures:

The SOYBEAN MEAL large speculator standing this week was a net position of 114,521 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 25,247 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 89,274 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 74.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 22.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 69.5 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.

SOYBEAN MEAL Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	35.2	35.8	10.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	11.1	65.2	5.4
– Net Position:	114,521	-139,803	25,282
– Gross Longs:	167,296	170,310	50,943
– Gross Shorts:	52,775	310,113	25,661
– Long to Short Ratio:	3.2 to 1	0.5 to 1	2.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	74.4	22.3	69.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	52.2	-54.5	45.6

LIVE CATTLE Futures:

The LIVE CATTLE large speculator standing this week was a net position of 60,855 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 10,199 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 50,656 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 44.6 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 61.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 30.5 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.

LIVE CATTLE Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	40.8	32.8	9.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	20.0	49.8	13.0
– Net Position:	60,855	-49,742	-11,113
– Gross Longs:	119,356	95,952	26,865
– Gross Shorts:	58,501	145,694	37,978
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.0 to 1	0.7 to 1	0.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	44.6	61.9	30.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	19.2	-16.8	-21.7

LEAN HOGS Futures:

The LEAN HOGS large speculator standing this week was a net position of 13,662 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -9,200 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 22,862 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 40.9 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 60.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 63.8 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.

LEAN HOGS Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	29.8	39.3	7.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	24.8	42.7	9.4
– Net Position:	13,662	-9,301	-4,361
– Gross Longs:	81,944	108,350	21,540
– Gross Shorts:	68,282	117,651	25,901
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.2 to 1	0.9 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	40.9	60.4	63.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-35.2	36.2	12.9

COTTON Futures:

The COTTON large speculator standing this week was a net position of 7,678 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 7,870 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -192 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 14.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 84.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 18.8 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 Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	30.7	44.8	5.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	27.4	48.4	5.2
– Net Position:	7,678	-8,136	458
– Gross Longs:	70,382	102,573	12,272
– Gross Shorts:	62,704	110,709	11,814
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.1 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	14.5	84.8	18.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-33.6	32.4	-19.1

COCOA Futures:

The COCOA large speculator standing this week was a net position of 32,570 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 3,679 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 28,891 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 43.2 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 53.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 62.1 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.

COCOA Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	31.7	34.6	7.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	10.4	59.7	3.7
– Net Position:	32,570	-38,425	5,855
– Gross Longs:	48,416	52,941	11,504
– Gross Shorts:	15,846	91,366	5,649
– Long to Short Ratio:	3.1 to 1	0.6 to 1	2.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	43.2	53.5	62.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-1.3	2.1	-6.8

WHEAT Futures:

The WHEAT large speculator standing this week was a net position of -14,393 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -1,871 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -12,522 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 57.5 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 42.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 36.5 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.

WHEAT Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	29.8	36.1	7.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	33.2	31.1	9.2
– Net Position:	-14,393	21,208	-6,815
– Gross Longs:	127,585	154,247	32,381
– Gross Shorts:	141,978	133,039	39,196
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.9 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	57.5	42.5	36.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	33.7	-30.0	-35.3

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.

02 Jun

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 May 28th 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 lower this week as just one out of the six metals markets we cover had higher positioning while the other five markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the metals was Gold with a total rise of 6,779 contracts for the week.

The markets with declines in speculator bets for the week were Copper (-6,172 contracts), Silver (-2,461 contracts), Palladium (-655 contracts), Steel (-314 contracts) and Platinum (-82 contracts) also registering 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 Silver & Copper

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that Silver (97 percent), Copper (94 percent), Platinum (92 percent), Gold (83 percent) and Steel (80 percent) lead the metals markets this week and are all in Extreme-Bullish territory.

On the downside, Palladium (15 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently and is in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent).

Strength Statistics:
Gold (83.0 percent) vs Gold previous week (79.9 percent)
Silver (96.6 percent) vs Silver previous week (100.0 percent)
Copper (94.3 percent) vs Copper previous week (100.0 percent)
Platinum (91.6 percent) vs Platinum previous week (91.8 percent)
Palladium (15.2 percent) vs Palladium previous week (19.3 percent)
Steel (79.8 percent) vs Palladium previous week (81.0 percent)

Platinum & Copper top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that Platinum (25 percent) and Copper (17 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for metals. Gold (16 percent) is the next highest positive mover in the latest trends data.

Palladium (-13 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with Steel (-6 percent) as the next market with lower trend scores.

Move Statistics:
Gold (15.6 percent) vs Gold previous week (12.3 percent)
Silver (5.3 percent) vs Silver previous week (8.9 percent)
Copper (16.7 percent) vs Copper previous week (27.0 percent)
Platinum (24.9 percent) vs Platinum previous week (23.1 percent)
Palladium (-12.8 percent) vs Palladium previous week (-10.4 percent)
Steel (-6.1 percent) vs Steel previous week (-10.5 percent)

Individual Markets:

Gold Comex Futures:

The Gold Comex Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 236,585 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 6,779 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 229,806 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 83.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 18.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 52.4 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.

Gold Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	59.1	22.5	10.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	10.3	76.2	5.6
– Net Position:	236,585	-260,950	24,365
– Gross Longs:	286,737	109,181	51,528
– Gross Shorts:	50,152	370,131	27,163
– Long to Short Ratio:	5.7 to 1	0.3 to 1	1.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	83.0	18.8	52.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	15.6	-15.6	11.3

Silver Comex Futures:

The Silver Comex Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 57,183 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -2,461 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 59,644 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 96.6 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 2.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 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.

Silver Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	49.6	24.8	19.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	18.7	68.7	6.4
– Net Position:	57,183	-81,072	23,889
– Gross Longs:	91,730	45,930	35,705
– Gross Shorts:	34,547	127,002	11,816
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.7 to 1	0.4 to 1	3.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	96.6	2.3	100.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	5.3	-8.0	18.1

Copper Grade #1 Futures:

The Copper Grade #1 Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 65,522 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -6,172 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 71,694 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 4.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 90.9 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.

Copper Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	51.4	26.7	8.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	29.5	52.4	4.3
– Net Position:	65,522	-76,754	11,232
– Gross Longs:	153,739	79,821	24,148
– Gross Shorts:	88,217	156,575	12,916
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.7 to 1	0.5 to 1	1.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	94.3	4.3	90.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	16.7	-17.8	17.4

Platinum Futures:

The Platinum Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 27,567 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -82 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 27,649 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 91.6 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 5.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 29.8 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.

Platinum Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	62.3	18.9	10.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	32.8	53.3	5.2
– Net Position:	27,567	-32,140	4,573
– Gross Longs:	58,272	17,725	9,420
– Gross Shorts:	30,705	49,865	4,847
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.9 to 1	0.4 to 1	1.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	91.6	5.9	29.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	24.9	-22.7	-10.8

Palladium Futures:

The Palladium Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of -11,079 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -655 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -10,424 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 15.2 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 85.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 65.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

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

Palladium Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	26.5	55.7	8.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	73.5	10.4	7.1
– Net Position:	-11,079	10,681	398
– Gross Longs:	6,257	13,139	2,078
– Gross Shorts:	17,336	2,458	1,680
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.4 to 1	5.3 to 1	1.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	15.2	85.6	65.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-12.8	10.1	23.3

Steel Futures Futures:

The Steel Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of -4,329 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -314 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -4,015 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 79.8 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 21.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 29.0 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.

Steel Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	13.2	79.8	1.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	28.7	64.2	1.3
– Net Position:	-4,329	4,360	-31
– Gross Longs:	3,719	22,396	344
– Gross Shorts:	8,048	18,036	375
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.5 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	79.8	21.2	29.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-6.1	6.5	-10.5

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

COT Updates Financial News Metals

02 Jun

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

By InvestMacro

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

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday May 28th 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 5-Year Bonds & US Treasury Bonds

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

Leading the gains for the bond markets was the 5-Year Bonds (45,688 contracts) with the US Treasury Bonds (29,660 contracts), the 2-Year Bonds (13,850 contracts), the 10-Year Bonds (12,797 contracts),the Ultra Treasury Bonds (10,849 contracts), the Fed Funds (9,032 contracts) and with the Ultra 10-Year Bonds (7,379 contracts) also showing a positive week.

The only bond market with a decline in speculator bets was the SOFR 3-Months with a decrease of -49,251 contracts 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 US Treasury Bonds & Fed Funds

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 US Treasury Bonds (99 percent) and the Fed Funds (82 percent) lead the bond markets this week. The Ultra Treasury Bonds (58 percent) comes in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, the 5-Year Bonds (6 percent) and the Ultra 10-Year Bonds (10 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 (32 percent) and the SOFR 3-Months (35 percent).

Strength Statistics:
Fed Funds (82.3 percent) vs Fed Funds previous week (80.4 percent)
2-Year Bond (31.7 percent) vs 2-Year Bond previous week (30.8 percent)
5-Year Bond (5.9 percent) vs 5-Year Bond previous week (2.9 percent)
10-Year Bond (46.8 percent) vs 10-Year Bond previous week (45.6 percent)
Ultra 10-Year Bond (9.6 percent) vs Ultra 10-Year Bond previous week (8.1 percent)
US Treasury Bond (98.8 percent) vs US Treasury Bond previous week (88.4 percent)
Ultra US Treasury Bond (57.6 percent) vs Ultra US Treasury Bond previous week (53.1 percent)
SOFR 3-Months (35.1 percent) vs SOFR 3-Months previous week (37.6 percent)

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

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the US Treasury Bonds (21 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for bonds. The Fed Funds (1 percent) are the next highest positive mover in the latest trends data.

The SOFR 3-Months (-19 percent), the 5-Year Bonds (-12 percent) and the Ultra Treasury Bonds (-10 percent) lead the downside trend scores currently.

Strength Trend Statistics:
Fed Funds (1.2 percent) vs Fed Funds previous week (18.4 percent)
2-Year Bond (-2.1 percent) vs 2-Year Bond previous week (-3.0 percent)
5-Year Bond (-11.7 percent) vs 5-Year Bond previous week (-11.7 percent)
10-Year Bond (-2.4 percent) vs 10-Year Bond previous week (9.9 percent)
Ultra 10-Year Bond (-3.5 percent) vs Ultra 10-Year Bond previous week (-16.0 percent)
US Treasury Bond (20.8 percent) vs US Treasury Bond previous week (31.1 percent)
Ultra US Treasury Bond (-9.7 percent) vs Ultra US Treasury Bond previous week (-13.8 percent)
SOFR 3-Months (-18.6 percent) vs SOFR 3-Months previous week (-33.4 percent)

Secured Overnight Financing Rate (3-Month) Futures:

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (3-Month) large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of -487,408 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -49,251 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -438,157 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 35.1 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 64.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 86.5 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	60.2	0.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	17.6	55.6	0.4
– Net Position:	-487,408	489,903	-2,495
– Gross Longs:	1,397,251	6,434,234	35,655
– Gross Shorts:	1,884,659	5,944,331	38,150
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.7 to 1	1.1 to 1	0.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	35.1	64.9	86.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-18.6	18.6	0.5

30-Day Federal Funds Futures:

The 30-Day Federal Funds large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 64,283 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 9,032 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 55,251 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 82.3 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 16.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 88.9 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:	20.1	56.9	2.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	16.4	60.5	2.0
– Net Position:	64,283	-63,229	-1,054
– Gross Longs:	350,244	992,025	34,238
– Gross Shorts:	285,961	1,055,254	35,292
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.2 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	82.3	16.2	88.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	1.2	-0.2	-8.7

2-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 2-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of -979,819 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 13,850 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -993,669 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 Bearish with a score of 31.7 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 63.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 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.

2-Year Treasury Note Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	11.8	76.9	7.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	35.5	56.9	4.0
– Net Position:	-979,819	826,543	153,276
– Gross Longs:	488,475	3,175,073	317,155
– Gross Shorts:	1,468,294	2,348,530	163,879
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.4 to 1	1.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	31.7	63.2	100.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-2.1	0.8	8.3

5-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 5-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of -1,377,117 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 45,688 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,422,805 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 5.9 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 97.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 78.1 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 Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	5.9	81.7	7.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	26.6	62.1	6.2
– Net Position:	-1,377,117	1,304,941	72,176
– Gross Longs:	390,636	5,430,187	485,314
– Gross Shorts:	1,767,753	4,125,246	413,138
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.2 to 1	1.3 to 1	1.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	5.9	97.7	78.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-11.7	17.9	-10.5

10-Year Treasury Note Futures:

The 10-Year Treasury Note large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of -388,175 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 12,797 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -400,972 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 46.8 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 40.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 81.1 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 Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	10.2	71.8	9.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	18.1	64.6	9.2
– Net Position:	-388,175	353,169	35,006
– Gross Longs:	498,320	3,520,410	485,757
– Gross Shorts:	886,495	3,167,241	450,751
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.6 to 1	1.1 to 1	1.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	46.8	40.2	81.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-2.4	0.4	5.0

Ultra 10-Year Notes Futures:

The Ultra 10-Year Notes large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of -230,765 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 7,379 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -238,144 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 9.6 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 90.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 66.5 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.

Ultra 10-Year Notes Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	11.3	73.6	9.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	21.4	60.0	13.1
– Net Position:	-230,765	310,709	-79,944
– Gross Longs:	257,569	1,680,482	220,053
– Gross Shorts:	488,334	1,369,773	299,997
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.5 to 1	1.2 to 1	0.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	9.6	90.5	66.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-3.5	5.2	-2.5

US Treasury Bonds Futures:

The US Treasury Bonds large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 43,836 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 29,660 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 14,176 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 98.8 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 70.5 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 Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	16.4	66.8	12.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	13.8	71.4	10.1
– Net Position:	43,836	-78,798	34,962
– Gross Longs:	278,502	1,131,701	205,371
– Gross Shorts:	234,666	1,210,499	170,409
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.2 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	98.8	0.0	70.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	20.8	-18.7	-4.4

Ultra US Treasury Bonds Futures:

The Ultra US Treasury Bonds large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of -318,068 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 10,849 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -328,917 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 57.6 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 44.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 50.6 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 Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	8.2	74.8	12.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	25.4	58.4	11.7
– Net Position:	-318,068	302,721	15,347
– Gross Longs:	152,466	1,383,342	232,468
– Gross Shorts:	470,534	1,080,621	217,121
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.3 to 1	1.3 to 1	1.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	57.6	44.6	50.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-9.7	4.9	13.2

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

Bonds COT Updates Financial News

02 Jun

Speculator Extremes: US Treasury Bond, Silver lead weekly Bullish Positions

By InvestMacro

The latest update for the weekly Commitment of Traders (COT) report was released by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on Friday for data ending on May 28th.

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

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

Here Are This Week’s Most Bullish Speculator Positions:

US Treasury Bond

The US Treasury Bond speculator position comes in as the most bullish extreme standing this week. The US Treasury Bond speculator level is currently at a 98.8 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the percent strength score totaled 20.8 this week. The overall net speculator position was a total of 43,836 net contracts this week with a gain of 29,660 contract in the weekly speculator bets.

Speculators or Non-Commercials Notes:

Speculators, classified as non-commercial traders by the CFTC, are made up of large commodity funds, hedge funds and other significant for-profit participants. The Specs are generally regarded as trend-followers in their behavior towards price action – net speculator bets and prices tend to go in the same directions. These traders often look to buy when prices are rising and sell when prices are falling. To illustrate this point, many times speculator contracts can be found at their most extremes (bullish or bearish) when prices are also close to their highest or lowest levels.

These extreme levels can be dangerous for the large speculators as the trade is most crowded, there is less trading ammunition still sitting on the sidelines to push the trend further and prices have moved a significant distance. When the trend becomes exhausted, some speculators take profits while others look to also exit positions when prices fail to continue in the same direction. This process usually plays out over many months to years and can ultimately create a reverse effect where prices start to fall and speculators start a process of selling when prices are falling.

Silver

The Silver speculator position comes next in the extreme standings this week. The Silver speculator level is now at a 96.6 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the percent strength score was 5.3 this week. The speculator position registered 57,183 net contracts this week with a weekly decline of -2,461 contracts in speculator bets.

Copper

The Copper speculator position comes in third this week in the extreme standings. The Copper speculator level resides at a 94.3 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score came in at 16.7 this week. The overall speculator position was 65,522 net contracts this week with a decrease of -6,172 contracts in the weekly speculator bets.

Platinum

The Platinum speculator position comes up number four in the extreme standings this week. The Platinum speculator level is at a 91.6 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score totaled a change of 24.9 this week. The overall speculator position was 27,567 net contracts this week with a dip by -82 contracts in the speculator bets.

Mexican Peso

The Mexican Peso speculator position rounds out the top five in this week’s bullish extreme standings. The Mexican Peso speculator level sits at a 90.8 percent score of its 3-year range. The six-week trend for the speculator strength score was -3.3 this week.

The speculator position was 120,919 net contracts this week with an increase of 3,027 contracts in the weekly speculator bets.

This Week’s Most Bearish Speculator Positions:

Sugar

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

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score was -19.3 this week. The overall speculator position was 5,105 net contracts this week with a reduction by-3,316 contracts in the speculator bets.

Swiss Franc

The Swiss Franc speculator position comes in next for the most bearish extreme standing on the week. The Swiss Franc speculator level is at a 0.0 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score was -14.1 this week. The speculator position was -44,366 net contracts this week with a decline of -3,721 contracts in the weekly speculator bets.

Brazil Real

The Brazil Real speculator position comes in as third most bearish extreme standing of the week. The Brazil Real speculator level resides at a 1.9 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score was -42.2 this week. The overall speculator position was -36,582 net contracts this week with a rise of 1,076 contracts in the speculator bets.

Canadian Dollar

The Canadian Dollar speculator position comes in as this week’s fourth most bearish extreme standing. The Canadian Dollar speculator level is at a 3.1 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score was -2.8 this week. The speculator position was -86,585 net contracts this week with a boost of 4,239 contracts in the weekly speculator bets.

5-Year Bond

Finally, the 5-Year Bond speculator position comes in as the fifth most bearish extreme standing for this week. The 5-Year Bond speculator level is at a 5.9 percent score of its 3-year range.

The six-week trend for the speculator strength score was -11.7 this week. The speculator position was -1,377,117 net contracts this week with an increase of 45,688 contracts in the weekly speculator bets.

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

COT Updates Metals Opinions

02 Jun

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

By InvestMacro

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

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday May 28th 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 & VIX

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 with the S&P500-Mini (20,566 contracts), the VIX (8,648 contracts), the MSCI EAFE-Mini (5,188 contracts), the Russell-Mini (3,739 contracts) and the Nikkei 225 (609 contracts) also showing a positive week.

The markets with the declines in speculator bets this week were the Nasdaq-Mini (-8,444 contracts) with the DowJones-Mini (-6,965 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 (82 percent) leads the stock markets this week. The VIX (69 percent) and Nikkei 225 (66 percent) came in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, the Nasdaq-Mini (33 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently while the next lowest strength score is the MSCI EAFE-Mini (41 percent).

Strength Statistics:
VIX (68.9 percent) vs VIX previous week (59.5 percent)
S&P500-Mini (64.4 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (61.3 percent)
DowJones-Mini (81.7 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (93.0 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (33.4 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (46.5 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (61.1 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (58.4 percent)
Nikkei USD (66.2 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (61.0 percent)
EAFE-Mini (41.2 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (35.8 percent)

Russell-Mini top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the Russell-Mini (3 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for the stock markets.

The VIX (-22 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with the MSCI EAFE-Mini (-19 percent) coming in as the next market with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
VIX (-21.9 percent) vs VIX previous week (-21.7 percent)
S&P500-Mini (-11.4 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (6.0 percent)
DowJones-Mini (-0.9 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (5.1 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (-19.0 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (-4.4 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (3.3 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (-7.1 percent)
Nikkei USD (-6.7 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (-2.8 percent)
EAFE-Mini (-19.4 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (-20.1 percent)

Individual Stock Market Charts:

VIX Volatility Futures:

The VIX Volatility large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -42,744 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 8,648 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -51,392 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 68.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 25.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 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.

VIX Volatility Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	20.5	40.8	7.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	31.0	30.5	7.1
– Net Position:	-42,744	41,398	1,346
– Gross Longs:	82,966	165,143	30,267
– Gross Shorts:	125,710	123,745	28,921
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.7 to 1	1.3 to 1	1.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	68.9	25.0	100.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-21.9	16.8	24.6

S&P500 Mini Futures:

The S&P500 Mini large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -2,208 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 20,566 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -22,774 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 64.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 25.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 80.0 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.

S&P500 Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	15.2	69.0	13.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	15.3	73.8	8.3
– Net Position:	-2,208	-105,944	108,152
– Gross Longs:	330,937	1,503,708	289,071
– Gross Shorts:	333,145	1,609,652	180,919
– Long to Short Ratio:	1.0 to 1	0.9 to 1	1.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	64.4	25.3	80.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-11.4	11.1	-1.6

Dow Jones Mini Futures:

The Dow Jones Mini large speculator standing this week reached a net position of 13,144 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -6,965 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 20,109 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 12.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 65.9 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.

Dow Jones Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	22.9	54.9	15.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	9.4	73.1	11.3
– Net Position:	13,144	-17,654	4,510
– Gross Longs:	22,285	53,401	15,471
– Gross Shorts:	9,141	71,055	10,961
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.4 to 1	0.8 to 1	1.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	81.7	12.6	65.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-0.9	-1.7	8.4

Nasdaq Mini Futures:

The Nasdaq Mini large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -3,726 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -8,444 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 4,718 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 33.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 45.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 95.3 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.

Nasdaq Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	26.9	54.4	17.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	28.4	57.0	13.2
– Net Position:	-3,726	-6,683	10,409
– Gross Longs:	68,402	138,387	43,934
– Gross Shorts:	72,128	145,070	33,525
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.9 to 1	1.0 to 1	1.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	33.4	45.2	95.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bearish	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-19.0	12.3	2.6

Russell 2000 Mini Futures:

The Russell 2000 Mini large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -33,845 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 3,739 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -37,584 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 61.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 37.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 51.9 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.

Russell 2000 Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	17.7	73.5	5.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	25.0	67.7	4.5
– Net Position:	-33,845	27,036	6,809
– Gross Longs:	82,901	343,514	27,628
– Gross Shorts:	116,746	316,478	20,819
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.7 to 1	1.1 to 1	1.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	61.1	37.8	51.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	3.3	-4.5	8.2

Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures:

The Nikkei Stock Average (USD) large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -1,636 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 609 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -2,245 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 66.2 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 26.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 63.9 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 Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	11.5	61.5	25.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	21.9	61.2	15.5
– Net Position:	-1,636	49	1,587
– Gross Longs:	1,823	9,739	4,033
– Gross Shorts:	3,459	9,690	2,446
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.5 to 1	1.0 to 1	1.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	66.2	26.8	63.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-6.7	5.1	0.9

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures:

The MSCI EAFE Mini large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -24,369 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 5,188 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -29,557 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 41.2 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 56.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 45.1 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.

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	7.0	89.6	2.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	12.7	85.2	1.6
– Net Position:	-24,369	18,742	5,627
– Gross Longs:	29,861	381,756	12,467
– Gross Shorts:	54,230	363,014	6,840
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.6 to 1	1.1 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	41.2	56.3	45.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-19.4	19.1	0.5

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

COT Updates Financial News Stock Market News

31 May

What New York City’s Art Auctions Tell You About the Stock Market — and Social Mood

By Peter Kendall | Chief Analyst for U.S. Markets and Cultural Trends

The fall and spring auctions in New York City are the art market’s bellwether sales events. And according to The New York Times, the results from the City’s spring art auction season “tell a story of a masterpiece market come down to earth.” The article notes that the spring sales at Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips delivered $1.4 billion — a 22 percent decrease from total earnings of $1.8 billion in 2023.

While auction experts called it a “respectable finish,” the general art market nervousness is a bad sign for the next major auction season in November. It’s “a momentum-based market,” said one expert about the art industry. “There can be a little bit of a herd mentality.”

We agree wholeheartedly, save for the “a little bit” part. The art scene, like any speculative, freely-traded market, is very much driven by herd mentality. And as such, it often closely tracks the stock market, because both are driven — higher or lower — by waves of social mood. Positive social mood impels demand for fine art and stocks, whereas negative social mood decreases demand.

Signs of weakness in the art market were apparent before this spring auction season. The message of last November’s bidding was decidedly mixed. “While the figures from the fortnight of sales looked impressive, there were still several significant indicators of an art market in flux,” reported Artsy.com. “Each auction house held a sale that cumulatively fell beneath their low estimates,” and there were lots of withdrawals. Sotheby’s modern evening sale, for instance, was reduced to 33 lots from an original 40.

“A notable clutch of works by blue chip artists failed to achieve their low estimates. Works by Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali all hammered below their low targets.”

“Despite a Sagging Art Market,” The New York Times reported that this Picasso from August 1932 did bring a winning bid of $139.4 million, the highest price paid for a work of art in 2023.

“The sale of ‘Femme a’ la montre’ not only cements its status as a masterpiece, but also underscores the enduring fascination and value of Picasso’s work.”

Interestingly, Picasso started the painting at the bottom of a massive decline in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the start of a multi-decade rally.

With the painting’s record price aligning closely with what we believe is the end of a long upward wave in the stock market, we suspect that the sale will mark a peak for Picasso and many other artists and artworks of “enduring fascination.” The fascination should yield to bafflement at the artistry as well as the prices that were paid for it.

Follow along via our free EWI 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 What New York City’s Art Auctions Tell You About the Stock Market — and Social Mood. 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.

Economics & Fundamentals Opinions

31 May

Week Ahead: Brent waits on OPEC+ meeting

By ForexTime

Brent ↑ 6% year-to-date

Headed for biggest monthly ↓ in 2024

OPEC+ decision, EIA data & NFP in focus

Over past year NFP triggered moves of 1% ↑ or ↓

Technical levels – $84.50 & $81.00

Key central bank decisions and top-tier economic data could rock markets in the week ahead:

Sunday, 2nd June

OIL: OPEC+ virtual meeting

Monday, 3rd June

CN50: China Caixin manufacturing PMI
EU50: Eurozone/Germany manufacturing PMI
JPY: Japan capital spending
UK100: UK manufacturing PMI
US500: ISM manufacturing

Tuesday, 4th June

GER40: Germany unemployment
ZAR: South Africa GDP
RUS2000: US factory orders, JOLTS

Wednesday, 5th June

CN50: China Caixin services PMI
AU200: Australia GDP
EU50: Eurozone services PMI, PPI
CAD: Canada rate decision
US30: US ISM services
OIL: EIA weekly report

Thursday, 6th June

AU200: Australia trade balance
EUR: ECB rate decision, retail sales
GER40: Germany factory orders
TWN: Taiwan CPI

Friday, 7th June

CNH: China trade, forex reserves
CAD: Canada unemployment
EU50: Eurozone GDP (final), Germany industrial production
TWN: Taiwan trade
USDInd: US May nonfarm payrolls (NFP)

The spotlight shines on oil benchmarks thanks to the OPEC+ decision over the weekend.

Brent has shed almost 5% this month but is still up roughly 6% since the start of 2024.

In the first quarter of 2024, oil prices were initially supported by geopolitical risks and hopes around OPEC+ supply cuts tightening global markets. But gains have been capped in Q2 amid uncertainty over China’s demand and rising US crude inventories.

Still, oil benchmarks could kick off the first week of June with a bang! Here are 4 reasons why:

1) OPEC+ virtual meeting.

Over the weekend, OPEC+ is expected to extend current production cuts – possibly to the end of this year.

Considering that the cartel accounts for roughly 40% of total global oil supply, any decisions are likely to impact oil prices.

Note: Back in November 2023, OPEC+ agreed to voluntarily cut production by 2.2 million barrels per day through the first quarter of 2024. In March, these were extended through the end of June 2024.

Oil prices could respond positively if the cartel extends production cuts.

Any surprises in the form of deeper cuts may trigger a stronger bullish reaction.

If OPEC+ fails to extend production cuts, this could send oil prices lower.

2) US Energy Information Agency (EIA) report

With the spotlight on oil markets, attention will be directed toward the next EIA report published on Wednesday 5th June.

Interestingly, crude oil inventories decreased by 4.2 million barrels in the week ended May 24. However, US oil stockpiles have been climbing since the final quarter of 2023.

A decline in US crude inventories could spark optimism around demand, pushing the global commodity higher as a result.

Oil prices may slip if a build in US crude inventories hits the demand outlook.

Fun fact: Over the past year, the US EIA report has triggered upside moves of as much as 0.9% or declines of 1.3% in the 6 hours post-release.

3) US May nonfarm payrolls (NFP)

The US economy is expected to have created 180k jobs in May, while the unemployment rate to remain steady at 3.9%.

Considering how the NFP directly impacts interest rate expectations, it could influence oil prices.

Note: Lower interest rates could stimulate economic growth, translating to increased demand for oil. This may also weaken the dollar – supporting oil which is priced in dollars.

A solid jobs report that supports the case for “higher for longer rates” could send oil lower.

Oil could jump if a disappointing report weakens the dollar and fuels rate cut bets.

Fun fact: Over the past 12 months, the US jobs report has sparked upside moves of as much as 1% or declines of 1% in the 6 hours post-release.

4) Technical forces

Brent is trapped within a range on the daily charts with support at $81.00 and resistance at $84.50. However, prices are trading below the 50, 100 and 200-day SMA while the MACD trades below zero.

A solid breakdown below $81.00 may open a path toward $80.00 and $77.50.

Should prices push back the 100-day SMA, this could open a path toward $84.50. and the 50-day SMA.

Note: Oil prices may be influenced by the incoming US PCE data later today.

Article by ForexTime

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

Economics & Fundamentals Financial News

31 May

Investors’ focus today is on the PCE Price Index data. Conditions for inflation growth are forming in Japan

By JustMarkets

At the end of Thursday, the Dow Jones Index (US30) decreased by 0.86%. The S&P 500 Index (US500) is down 0.60%. The NASDAQ Technology Index (US100) closed negative 1.08%. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 (US500) fell to a 2-week low, the Dow Jones (US30) fell to a 4-week low, and the NASDAQ (US100) fell to a 1-week low. Stocks came under pressure due to concerns that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates on hold longer, leading to a decline in risk sentiment in asset markets. The US weekly initial jobless claims rose by 3,000 to 219,000, indicating a slightly weaker labor market than expected at 217,000. The US Q1 GDP was revised downward to 1.3% (q/q annualized) from 1.6%, which aligned with expectations. Today, markets await Friday’s PCE deflator data for April, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, for clues on when the Fed might start cutting interest rates. The core PCE deflator for April is expected to be unchanged from March at 2.8% y/y.

Salesforce (CRM) is down more than 19%. It tops the list of losers in the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrials after reporting first-quarter revenue of $9.13 billion, below the consensus of $9.15 billion, and estimating 2025 revenue of $37.7 billion to $38.0 billion, weaker than the consensus of $38.01 billion. Nvidia (NVDA) closed down more than 3% after Bloomberg reported that the US is slowing licenses to chipmakers for large-scale shipments of artificial intelligence gas pedals to the Middle East. At the same time, officials conduct a national security review of AI development in the region. HP Inc (HPQ) stock price rose more than 16% and topped the list of top gainers in the S&P 500 after the company reported second-quarter net revenue of $12.80 billion, beating the consensus prognosis of $12.60 billion. Shares of PayPal Holdings (PYPL) rose more than 2% and topped the Nasdaq 100 leaderboard after Mizuho Securities upgraded the stock to “buy” from “neutral” with a $90 price target.

Equity markets in Europe mostly went up yesterday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) rose by 0.13%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed up 0.55%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) gained 1.73%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed positive 0.59%.

The Eurozone unemployment rate for April unexpectedly fell by 0.1 to a record low of 6.4%, indicating a stronger labor market than expectations of no change at 6.5%. Spain’s May CPI (EU harmonized) rose to 3.8% y/y, exceeding expectations of 3.7% y/y and the largest increase in 13 months. May Eurozone economic confidence rose by 0.4 to 96.0, slightly weaker than expectations of 96.1. Strong Eurozone economic data, along with rising inflationary pressures, may force the ECB to become more hawkish after the first rate cut in June.

WTI crude futures fell to $77.5 a barrel on Friday, declining for the third consecutive session, as uncertainty over demand weighs on oil markets. Revised data on Thursday showed the US economy grew at an annualized rate of 1.3% in the first quarter, down from preliminary estimates of 1.6%. A Federal Reserve official also said she remained concerned about upside risks to inflation and urged caution in policy adjustments, another blow to hopes of lower US interest rates. Meanwhile, EIA data showed that US crude oil inventories fell by 4.2 million barrels last week, compared with expectations of a 1.9 million barrel decline. Investors now await the OPEC+ meeting on Sunday, which is expected to extend supply cuts through 2025.

Asian markets were mostly down on Monday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) was down 1.30% for the day, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) lost 0.88%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) decreased by 1.34%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was negative 0.49%.

The offshore yuan stabilized at 7.25 per dollar after falling to its lowest level in more than a month in the previous session, reacting to weaker-than-expected Chinese PMI data and recent developments in the US. The latest data showed that China’s manufacturing activity unexpectedly fell to 49.5 in May 2024 from April’s 50.4, falling short of the market’s prognosis of 50.5. The contraction, the first since February, raised concerns about the health of China’s economy and prompted new stimulus measures.

Retail sales in Japan rose by 2.4% year-on-year in April 2024, accelerating after a downwardly revised 1.1% increase in the previous month, which was the lowest in two years. The data exceeded market estimates of 1.9%, marking the 26th consecutive month of retail sales growth. Preliminary data showed that Japan’s industrial production fell by 0.1% month-on-month in April 2024, missing market prognoses for a 0.9% rise and bouncing back from a 4.4% increase, the sharpest increase since June 2022. Japan’s unemployment rate stood at 2.6% in April 2024, unchanged for the third month and in line with market estimates. It is the highest unemployment rate since September last year. The core Consumer Price Index in Tokyo, Japan, rose to 1.9% year-on-year in May 2024, accelerating from a two-year low of 1.6% in April, which aligns with expectations. The Tokyo inflation data is a leading indicator of price developments across the country, as national CPI data will be released in about three weeks.

S&P 500 (US500) 5,235.48 −31.47 (−0.60%)

Dow Jones (US30) 38,111.48 −330.06 (−0.86%)

DAX (DE40) 18,496.79 +23.50 (+0.13%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 8,231.05 +47.98 (+0.59%)

USD Index 104.75 +0.14 (+0.13%)

Important events today:

– Japan Tokyo Core CPI (m/m) at 02:30 (GMT+3);
– Japan Unemployment Rate (m/m) at 02:30 (GMT+3);
– Japan Retail Sales (m/m) at 02:50 (GMT+3);
– Japan Industrial Production (m/m) at 02:50 (GMT+3);
– China Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 04:30 (GMT+3);
– China non-Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 04:30 (GMT+3);
– New Zealand Annual Budget Release at 05:00 (GMT+3);
– German Retail Sales (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+3);
– Switzerland Retail Sales (m/m) at 09:30 (GMT+3);
– Eurozone Consumer Price Index (m/m) at 12:00 (GMT+3);
– US Core PCE Index (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3);
– Canada GDP (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3);
– US Chicago PMI (m/m) at 16:45 (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.

Economics & Fundamentals Financial News

31 May

New Zealand Dollar gains for second day against US Dollar

By RoboForex Analytical Department

The New Zealand dollar continues its ascent for the second consecutive session against the US dollar, resulting in the NZD/USD pair climbing to 0.6125. This increase is attributed to recent US economic data indicating slower-than-expected growth in Q1, suggesting the possibility of an interest rate cut by the end of the year.

The market is now focused on the upcoming release of the US Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (Core PCE) report, a pivotal inflation measure for the Federal Reserve. The report’s outcome could offer further insights into the Fed’s future actions.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand government has unveiled its annual budget report, which includes modest tax relief and spending cuts due to subdued economic growth. Other concerns for the economy include rising unemployment and a weak trade balance.

Today’s speech by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Governor is highly anticipated, particularly following the central bank’s recent policy meeting.

Technical analysis of NZD/USD

The NZD/USD pair is developing within a wide consolidation range around 0.6136. A downward impulse to 0.6088 has been observed. Today, the market might see a corrective move to 0.6137 (testing from below). Following this correction, a new decline to 0.6070 is anticipated, with a potential breakdown of this level leading to a further decrease to 0.6002. The bearish scenario is technically supported by the MACD indicator, whose signal line is below zero and directed downwards. Notably, there is a significant divergence between the peaks on the chart and the indicator, which traders should monitor closely.

On the H1 chart, after forming a downward impulse to 0.6088, a correction to 0.6137 may occur today. Upon its completion, a new downward wave to 0.6075 is expected, with a potential continuation to 0.6000. This target is the first one in the expected downward trend. The technical setup is confirmed by the Stochastic oscillator, whose signal line is currently above 80 but is pointing sharply downwards, indicating the potential for a decline.

Summary

The NZD/USD pair’s upward movement directly reflects recent US economic data and the market’s expectations of potential Fed policy adjustments. Technical indicators suggest possible short-term corrections followed by further declines, providing critical levels for traders to watch as market conditions evolve. Today’s speech by the RBNZ Governor could introduce volatility to the trading session, further impacting the currency’s movement.

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.

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31 May

Why Nvidia’s Stock Surge Could Translate to Higher Dividends

By The Ino.com Team

With a $2.35 trillion market cap, NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) has had an exceptional year so far. Following a stellar 2023, NVDA’s stock has already surged nearly 92% since January. Moreover, the stock has gained over 200% in the past year.

This surge in NVIDIA has been fueled by its explosive growth in the AI and data center markets, making it one of the most talked-about and desirable stocks. With a high of just under $955 in yesterday’s session, expectations are mounting for the stock to hit four digits soon.

Ahead of Nvidia’s earnings, Stifel analyst Ruben Roy increased his price target on the stock from $910 to $1,085, citing that he expects Nvidia to again surpass expectations on the top and bottom lines and raise its guidance for the next quarter.

The company’s results have been bolstered by solid demand for its chips from hyperscalers, including Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), and others. As a result, the first-quarter earnings report will serve as a crucial gauge of the industry’s appetite for further AI investment.

Also, Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya raised his price target on NVDA stock from $925 to $1100 while maintaining a “Buy” rating.

Let’s analyze how Nvidia’s stock price appreciation could lead to higher dividend payouts.

Dominance in AI and Data Center Markets

The U.S., led by NVIDIA, dominates the generative AI (GenAI) tech market. With the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, the rise of GenAI gained substantial momentum.

From consumer-facing applications, foundational technology such as large language models (LLMs), cloud infrastructure, and semiconductors crucial for operations, U.S. companies hold a market share ranging from 70% to an impressive 90% across several segments of the generative AI landscape.

According to Statista, the global generative AI market is expected to reach $36.06 billion in 2024. Further, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 46.5%, resulting in a market volume of $356.10 billion by 2030. In global comparison, the U.S. is estimated to have the largest market share, totaling $11.66 billion this year.

Moreover, NVDA, a leading tech player, commands a market share of around 92% in the data center GPU market for GenAI applications.

Nvidia’s success extends beyond its cutting-edge semiconductor performance, owing to its software capabilities. The widely adopted CUDA development platform, introduced in 2006, has become a fundamental tool for AI development, amassing a user base of more than 4 million developers.

The company’s chips are essential in powering technology like Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Also, META has placed a sizable order of 350,000 H100 GPU graphics cards from Nvidia. In line, MSFT has spent billions of dollars buying chips from the chipmaker.

Unveiled New Generation AI Graphics Processors

In March 2024, NVDA announced its next-generation chip architecture named Blackwell and related products, including its latest AI chip, B200. The latest GPUs are expected to dramatically boost developers’ ability to build advanced AI models.

The new GPU platform succeeds the company’s Hopper architecture, which was launched two years earlier and helped send NVDA’s business and stock surging.

Blackwell GPUs, containing 208 billion transistors, can enable AI models to scale up to 10 trillion parameters. It will be incorporated in Nvidia’s GB200 Grace Blackwell Superchip, which connects two B200 Blackwell GPUs to a Grace CPU.

The new AI chips are expected to ship later this year.

“Generative AI is the defining technology of our time,” said Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang during a keynote address at the company’s developers conference in San Jose, California. “Blackwell GPUs are the engine to power this new industrial revolution. Working with the most dynamic companies in the world, we will realize the promise of AI for every industry.”

With Blackwell’s superior performance, the chipmaker aims to solidify its dominance in the data center GPU market.

Outstanding Fourth-Quarter Financials

For the fourth quarter that ended January 28, 2024, NVDA’s revenue increased 265.3% year-over-year to $22.10 billion. That exceeded analysts’ expectations of $20.55 billion. It reported a record revenue from the Data Center segment of $18.40 billion, up 409% from the prior year’s period.

“Accelerated computing and generative AI have hit the tipping point. Demand is surging worldwide across companies, industries and nations,” said Jensen Huang.

He added, “Our Data Center platform is powered by increasingly diverse drivers — demand for data processing, training and inference from large cloud-service providers and GPU-specialized ones, as well as from enterprise software and consumer internet companies. Vertical industries — led by auto, financial services and healthcare — are now at a multibillion-dollar level.

The chipmaker’s gross profit was $16.79 billion, an increase of 338.1% year-over-year. Its non-GAAP operating income rose 563.2% year-over-year to $14.75 billion. Its non-GAAP net income grew 490.6% from the previous year’s quarter to $12.84 billion.

Also, Nvidia posted non-GAAP earnings per share of $5.16, compared to the analysts’ estimate of $4.63, and up 486% year-over-year.

NVDA’s non-GAAP free cash flow was $11.22 billion, up 546.1% from the previous year’s period. The company’s total current assets were $44.35 billion as of January 28, 2024, compared to $23.07 billion as of January 29, 2023.

“Fundamentally, the conditions are excellent for continued growth” in 2025 and beyond, Huang told analysts. He noted that the robust demand for the company’s GPUs is expected to persist, fueled by the adoption of generative AI and an industry-wide shift from central processors to Nvidia’s accelerators.

Further, NVIDIA predicts revenue of $24 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2025. The company’s non-GAAP gross margin is anticipated to be 77%.

Potential for Increased Dividend Payouts

As Nvidia’s revenue and profits soar significantly, the company will likely consider increasing its dividend payouts, benefiting long-term investors. NVIDIA paid its quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share on March 27 to shareholders of record on March 6. The company’s annual dividend of $0.16 translates to a yield of 0.02% at the current share price.

Currently, Nvidia’s dividend yield is modest compared to its tech peers, but its substantial cash flow and strong balance sheet provide ample room for growth. By increasing dividends, the company can attract a broader base of income-focused investors, further supporting its stock price.

Bottom Line

NVDA’s remarkable rise so far this year can be attributed to its dominance in the AI and data center markets, fueled by the growing demand for its chips from tech giants such as Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and more.

Moreover, Nvidia’s recent announcement of its next-generation chip architecture, Blackwell, and related products demonstrates its commitment to innovation and maintaining its competitive edge. With Blackwell’s superior performance, Nvidia aims to consolidate its dominance in the data center GPU market.

Analysts are highly optimistic about the chipmaker’s prospects. Analysts expect NVDA’s revenue and EPS for the fiscal 2025 first quarter (ended April 2024) to increase 242% and 411.9%year-over-year to $24.59 billion and $5.58, respectively. Also, the company topped consensus revenue and EPS estimates in all four trailing quarters, which is impressive.

As NVDA continues to expand its market share and generate higher revenue and profit, the company naturally accumulates more cash reserves. With ample cash in hand, it can increase its dividend payouts without compromising its ability to fund ongoing operations or invest in future growth opportunities.

Increased dividends will be a positive signal to the market, reflecting Nvidia’s confidence in its long-term prospects and its commitment to returning value to shareholders. This move can also enhance investor sentiment, particularly among those looking for stable income streams in addition to capital appreciation.

In conclusion, NVDA stands at the forefront of the tech industry, driving innovation and shaping the future of AI. Given its outstanding financial performance, technological leadership, and potential for dividend growth, Nvidia is an attractive investment opportunity for long-term investors.

By The Ino.com Team – See our Trader Blog, INO TV Free & Market Analysis Alerts

Source: Why Nvidia’s Stock Surge Could Translate to Higher Dividends

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