Commitment of Traders ReportThe Commitment of trader’s report reflects the position in futures and options held by swap dealers, managed money, leveraged traders and other reportable traders. If is released every Friday reflecting the positions of traders from the prior Tuesday by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. You can use the COT report to help you determine if sentiment is too high or a trend is in place.
*Source – Barcharts.com
The chart above shows that leveraged traders (hedge funds) are increasing their short position in Gold futures and options. The chart also shows that historical negative sentiment has reached a 3-year minimum (maximum short) as hedge funds accumulated a short position where they are betting on a further decline in gold prices. This level is tenuous, as a rebound in prices could lead to a short-squeeze where prices surge and hedge funds head for the door.
*Source – Barcharts.com
The chart above shows that hedge funds continued to add to short positions, but negative sentiment has not reached its maximum hit in November of 2016. The rebound in the EUR/USD late in the week was not incorporated into this week COT report, which probably would show some covering. While negative sentiment is high, it is unlikely large enough to generate a significant short-squeeze that would create a significant rally in the currency pair.
*Source – Barcharts.com
The chart above short that leveraged funds (hedge funds) continued to add to short positions in GBP FX as position dollar sentiment continued into mid-week last week. While the sentiment is negative for the GBP, it is well above the maximum negative sentiment experienced in October of 2016. This will likely lead to continued choppy trading conditions.
*Source – Barcharts.com
Crude oil prices continued to trend lower as hedge funds exited long position in futures and options. Last weeks inventory report showed an unexpected increase in stockpiles of U.S. crude oil, which lead to profit taking. The very large long position is still intact as hedge funds are betting that the unraveling of the Iranian nuclear deal will push crude oil prices higher. The high positive sentiment could lead to a continue to lead to a long liquidation.
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