Weekly COT report: Gold volumes lower, yen bears dominate
As of Tuesday 29th March 2022:
- NZD traders had flipped to net-short exposure.
- Large speculators were their most bearish on GBP futures in 13-weeks.
- Net-short exposure to JPY futures rose to their most bearish level in 21-weeks.
- Outside the yen, weekly repositioning was relatively minor among FX majors.
Japanese yen futures:
Large speculators were their most bearish on Japanese yen futures in 3-months last week. Currently at -102.1k contracts net-short, if bears add another 5.5k contracts they will be at their most bearish level in over 4-years. And that is quite likely to materialise by Friday’s COT report given how vocal the BOJ (Bank of Japan) have been recently about retaining their ultra-loose policy.
Australian dollar futures:
The Australian dollar is trending higher, although all eyes will be on tomorrow’s RBA meeting where a huge divergence between market’s hawkish pricing and RBA’s dovish rhetoric remains wide. Gross longs have risen to their most bullish level in 18-weeks and added 10.2k long contracts last week. However, some appear to be hedging their bets as 8.6k short contracts were also initiated. Yet net-exposure remains bearish by around -49k contracts, so that is still a lot of shorts to cover should RBA surprise with a hawkish twist tomorrow, yet still leaves plenty of room for bears to add fresh shorts as the net-short reading is nowhere near an extreme.
As of Tuesday 29th March:
- Large speculators increase their net-long exposure to gold by 9.6k contracts. However, managed funds trimmed their exposure for a third consecutive week, by -6.8k contracts.
- Large speculators also reduced their overall exposure to gold and silver futures for a third week, as seen on declining open interest.
- Managed funds flipped to net-short exposure to palladium futures after 4-week at net-long. Large speculators have remained net-short for 33-weeks.
- Bullish exposure to copper futures rose for a second consecutive week.
Gold futures:
Large speculators added around 9.5k to their net-long exposure to gold, although both long and shorts were closed as traders continued to reduce exposure. In fact, we have seen open interest trimmed for a third consecutive week, which shows a lack of confidence in either direction over the near-term. With that said, we continue to suspect the current decline is part of a retracement only given that shorts have trimmed their exposure for five consecutive weeks.
The information on this web site is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement. The information and opinions in this report are for general information use only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any currency or CFD contract. All opinions and information contained in this report are subject to change without notice. This report has been prepared without regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any particular recipient. Any references to historical price movements or levels is informational based on our analysis and we do not represent or warranty that any such movements or levels are likely to reoccur in the future. While the information contained herein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, author does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness, nor does author assume any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions.
Futures, Options on Futures, Foreign Exchange and other leveraged products involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your deposits. Increasing leverage increases risk. Spot Gold and Silver contracts are not subject to regulation under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act. Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are not available for US residents. Before deciding to trade forex, commodity futures, or digital assets, you should carefully consider your financial objectives, level of experience and risk appetite. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices or other information contained herein is intended as general information about the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that we do not provide any investment, legal, or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all investment, legal, or tax matters. References to FOREX.com or GAIN Capital refer to StoneX Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.
FOREX.com is a registered FCM and RFED with the CFTC and member of the National Futures Association (NFA # 0339826). Forex trading involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Full Disclosures and Risk Warning. Increased leverage increases risk.
GAIN Capital Group LLC (dba FOREX.com) 30 Independence Blvd, Suite 300 (3rd floor), Warren, NJ 07059, USA. GAIN Capital Group LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneX Group Inc.
© FOREX.COM 2025