By InvestMacro | COT | Data Tables | COT Leaders | Downloads | COT Newsletter 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 June 28th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets. The soft commodities market speculator bets were sharply lower this week as just two out of the eleven soft commodities markets we cover had higher positioning this week while nine markets had lower contracts. Leading the gains for soft commodities markets was Lean Hogs (4,228 contracts) and Cocoa (3,034 contracts) as the only markets showing positive weeks. Meanwhile, leading the declines in speculator bets this week were Corn (-52,067 contracts), Soybeans (-41,186 contracts) and Sugar (-40,402 contracts) with Soybean Oil (-22,612 contracts), Live Cattle (-12,287 contracts), Wheat (-11,388 contracts), Cotton (-9,655 contracts), Coffee (-4,171 contracts) and Soybean Meal (-1,446 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week. Strength scores (measuring the 3-Year range of Speculator positions, from 0 to 100 where above 80 percent is extreme bullish and below 20 percent is extreme bearish) show that Soybean Meal (80 percent) is leading the speculator strength positions at an extreme bullish score. Coffee (78 percent) and Corn (72 percent) are the next highest in strength scores. Live Cattle (14 percent) is the lone extreme bearish market with Cocoa (24 percent) coming in as the next lowest. Strength score trends (or move index, that calculate 6-week changes in strength scores) shows the trends for soft commodities are on the downside with eight out of the eleven markets showing negative trends. Soybean Oil (-34 percent) and Wheat (-28 percent) are leading the negative scores currently. The only markets with positive scores this week are Coffee (6 percent), Lean Hogs (9 percent) and Soybean Meal (12 percent). Data Snapshot of Commodity Market Traders | Columns Legend Jun-28-2022 OI OI-Index Spec-Net Spec-Index Com-Net COM-Index Smalls-Net Smalls-Index WTI Crude 1,651,566 0 299,692 3 -327,938 99 28,246 55 Gold 497,005 13 157,693 2 -182,007 98 24,314 16 Silver 135,775 3 10,891 0 -18,485 100 7,594 0 Copper 182,352 14 -30,696 20 31,197 81 -501 22 Palladium 7,765 6 -3,825 1 4,441 100 -616 8 Platinum 68,232 36 -1,306 2 -3,381 100 4,687 27 Natural Gas 987,740 0 -129,419 40 90,840 60 38,579 71 Brent 173,920 19 -42,677 40 41,434 62 1,243 26 Heating Oil 269,168 23 7,508 53 -25,743 44 18,235 62 Soybeans 653,337 11 137,193 56 -106,705 52 -30,488 20 Corn 1,338,054 0 328,102 72 -274,110 33 -53,992 12 Coffee 194,896 2 45,200 78 -47,147 26 1,947 9 Sugar 734,324 0 122,709 62 -132,877 43 10,168 20 Wheat 291,041 0 7,679 29 -1,871 57 -5,808 80   CORN Futures: The CORN large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 328,102 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -52,067 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 380,169 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 71.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 32.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 12.0 percent. CORN Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 32.4 44.6 9.4 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 7.9 65.1 13.4 – Net Position: 328,102 -274,110 -53,992 – Gross Longs: 433,710 597,265 125,886 – Gross Shorts: 105,608 871,375 179,878 – Long to Short Ratio: 4.1 to 1 0.7 to 1 0.7 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 71.9 32.9 12.0 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bullish Bearish Bearish-Extreme NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -18.6 21.4 -2.9   SUGAR Futures: The SUGAR large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 122,709 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -40,402 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 163,111 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 61.8 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 43.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 20.4 percent. SUGAR Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 28.7 49.2 9.1 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 12.0 67.3 7.7 – Net Position: 122,709 -132,877 10,168 – Gross Longs: 210,575 361,005 66,813 – Gross Shorts: 87,866 493,882 56,645 – Long to Short Ratio: 2.4 to 1 0.7 to 1 1.2 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 61.8 43.0 20.4 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bullish Bearish Bearish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -15.2 21.3 -47.7   COFFEE Futures: The COFFEE large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 45,200 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -4,171 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 49,371 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 77.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 26.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 9.5 percent. COFFEE Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 28.5 49.4 4.1 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 5.3 73.6 3.1 – Net Position: 45,200 -47,147 1,947 – Gross Longs: 55,545 96,232 8,006 – Gross Shorts: 10,345 143,379 6,059 – Long to Short Ratio: 5.4 to 1 0.7 to 1 1.3 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 77.9 26.5 9.5 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bullish Bearish Bearish-Extreme NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: 5.8 -5.6 -5.2   SOYBEANS Futures: The SOYBEANS large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 137,193 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -41,186 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 178,379 net contracts. This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 55.9 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 51.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 19.5 percent. SOYBEANS Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 29.3 52.5 5.9 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 8.3 68.9 10.5 – Net Position: 137,193 -106,705 -30,488 – Gross Longs: 191,380 343,227 38,323 – Gross Shorts: 54,187 449,932 68,811 – Long to Short Ratio: 3.5 to 1 0.8 to 1 0.6 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 55.9 51.7 19.5 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bullish Bullish Bearish-Extreme NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -14.1 15.0 -6.4   SOYBEAN OIL Futures: The SOYBEAN OIL large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 44,918 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -22,612 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 67,530 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 35.9 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 63.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 44.4 percent. SOYBEAN OIL Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 22.7 55.7 8.4 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 10.3 70.4 6.1 – Net Position: 44,918 -53,225 8,307 – Gross Longs: 82,491 202,343 30,416 – Gross Shorts: 37,573 255,568 22,109 – Long to Short Ratio: 2.2 to 1 0.8 to 1 1.4 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 35.9 63.7 44.4 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish Bullish Bearish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -34.2 38.6 -48.9   SOYBEAN MEAL Futures: The SOYBEAN MEAL large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 93,925 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -1,446 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 95,371 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 23.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 42.3 percent. SOYBEAN MEAL Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 27.3 43.5 11.4 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 3.3 72.8 6.0 – Net Position: 93,925 -114,869 20,944 – Gross Longs: 106,995 170,250 44,567 – Gross Shorts: 13,070 285,119 23,623 – Long to Short Ratio: 8.2 to 1 0.6 to 1 1.9 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 79.8 23.2 42.3 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bullish Bearish Bearish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: 11.5 -7.4 -33.0   LIVE CATTLE Futures: The LIVE CATTLE large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 27,835 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -12,287 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 40,122 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 14.3 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 76.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 79.2 percent. LIVE CATTLE Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 35.0 39.4 11.2 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 25.1 49.1 11.5 – Net Position: 27,835 -27,080 -755 – Gross Longs: 98,030 110,513 31,369 – Gross Shorts: 70,195 137,593 32,124 – Long to Short Ratio: 1.4 to 1 0.8 to 1 1.0 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 14.3 76.2 79.2 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish-Extreme Bullish Bullish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -9.0 5.9 9.9   LEAN HOGS Futures: The LEAN HOGS large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 16,287 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 4,228 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 12,059 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 24.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 84.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 50.1 percent. LEAN HOGS Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 32.9 41.6 9.7 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 24.2 45.5 14.5 – Net Position: 16,287 -7,339 -8,948 – Gross Longs: 61,378 77,472 18,100 – Gross Shorts: 45,091 84,811 27,048 – Long to Short Ratio: 1.4 to 1 0.9 to 1 0.7 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 24.5 84.8 50.1 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish Bullish-Extreme Bullish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: 9.3 -5.5 -19.9   COTTON Futures: The COTTON large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 56,390 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -9,655 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 66,045 net contracts. This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 58.6 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 41.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 46.8 percent. COTTON Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 41.4 40.3 7.6 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 9.3 75.6 4.5 – Net Position: 56,390 -61,856 5,466 – Gross Longs: 72,622 70,585 13,385 – Gross Shorts: 16,232 132,441 7,919 – Long to Short Ratio: 4.5 to 1 0.5 to 1 1.7 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 58.6 41.9 46.8 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bullish Bearish Bearish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -14.6 17.0 -38.7   COCOA Futures: The COCOA large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 6,339 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 3,034 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 3,305 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 23.8 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 77.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 20.2 percent. COCOA Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 30.2 44.3 4.5 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 28.1 47.1 3.7 – Net Position: 6,339 -8,708 2,369 – Gross Longs: 91,654 134,441 13,610 – Gross Shorts: 85,315 143,149 11,241 – Long to Short Ratio: 1.1 to 1 0.9 to 1 1.2 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 23.8 77.4 20.2 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish Bullish Bearish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -12.0 14.6 -27.2   WHEAT Futures: The WHEAT large speculator standing this week came in at a net position of 7,679 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -11,388 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 19,067 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 29.0 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 57.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 80.3 percent. WHEAT Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 30.9 40.8 10.1 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 28.3 41.5 12.1 – Net Position: 7,679 -1,871 -5,808 – Gross Longs: 89,989 118,839 29,465 – Gross Shorts: 82,310 120,710 35,273 – Long to Short Ratio: 1.1 to 1 1.0 to 1 0.8 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 29.0 57.0 80.3 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish Bullish Bullish-Extreme NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -27.5 34.3 -15.7   Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Reports by Email *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.

By InvestMacro | COT | Data Tables | COT Leaders | Downloads | COT Newsletter 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 June 28th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets. Energy market speculator bets were mostly higher this week as four out of the six energy markets we cover had higher positioning this week while two markets had lower contracts. Leading the gains for energy markets was WTI Crude Oil (10,190 contracts) and Natural Gas (1,450 contracts) with the Bloomberg Commodity Index (703 contracts) and Gasoline (692 contracts) also showing a positive week. Meanwhile, leading the declines in speculator bets this week was Brent Crude Oil (-4,667 contracts) with Heating Oil (-2,056 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week. Strength scores (measuring the 3-Year range of Speculator positions, from 0 to 100 where above 80 percent is extreme bullish and below 20 percent is extreme bearish) show that the Bloomberg Commodity Index (79 percent) and Heating Oil (54 percent) are above the midpoint for the past 3 years while all the other markets are below the 50 percent level. Gasoline and WTI Crude are in extreme bearish positions as each come in at 3 percent currently. Strength score trends (or move index, that calculate 6-week changes in strength scores) shows that Heating Oil (16 percent) and the Bloomberg Commodity Index (9 percent) are also the only markets that have rising trend scores currently. Brent Crude Oil (-13 percent) and WTI Crude (-9 percent) are leading the downside trends. Data Snapshot of Commodity Market Traders | Columns Legend Jun-28-2022 OI OI-Index Spec-Net Spec-Index Com-Net COM-Index Smalls-Net Smalls-Index WTI Crude 1,651,566 0 299,692 3 -327,938 99 28,246 55 Gold 497,005 13 157,693 2 -182,007 98 24,314 16 Silver 135,775 3 10,891 0 -18,485 100 7,594 0 Copper 182,352 14 -30,696 20 31,197 81 -501 22 Palladium 7,765 6 -3,825 1 4,441 100 -616 8 Platinum 68,232 36 -1,306 2 -3,381 100 4,687 27 Natural Gas 987,740 0 -129,419 40 90,840 60 38,579 71 Brent 173,920 19 -42,677 40 41,434 62 1,243 26 Heating Oil 269,168 23 7,508 53 -25,743 44 18,235 62 Soybeans 653,337 11 137,193 56 -106,705 52 -30,488 20 Corn 1,338,054 0 328,102 72 -274,110 33 -53,992 12 Coffee 194,896 2 45,200 78 -47,147 26 1,947 9 Sugar 734,324 0 122,709 62 -132,877 43 10,168 20 Wheat 291,041 0 7,679 29 -1,871 57 -5,808 80   WTI Crude Oil Futures: The WTI Crude Oil Futures large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 299,692 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 10,190 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 289,502 net contracts. This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 3.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 98.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 54.8 percent. WTI Crude Oil Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 24.0 36.3 4.9 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 5.8 56.2 3.2 – Net Position: 299,692 -327,938 28,246 – Gross Longs: 396,046 599,957 80,880 – Gross Shorts: 96,354 927,895 52,634 – Long to Short Ratio: 4.1 to 1 0.6 to 1 1.5 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 3.4 98.6 54.8 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish-Extreme Bullish-Extreme Bullish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -8.7 12.6 -14.1   Brent Crude Oil Futures: The Brent Crude Oil Futures large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -42,677 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -4,667 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -38,010 net contracts. This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 39.6 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 62.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 26.0 percent. Brent Crude Oil Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 14.8 53.8 3.6 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 39.3 30.0 2.9 – Net Position: -42,677 41,434 1,243 – Gross Longs: 25,712 93,538 6,241 – Gross Shorts: 68,389 52,104 4,998 – Long to Short Ratio: 0.4 to 1 1.8 to 1 1.2 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 39.6 62.2 26.0 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish Bullish Bearish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -13.1 15.5 -20.3   Natural Gas Futures: The Natural Gas Futures large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -129,419 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 1,450 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -130,869 net contracts. This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 39.7 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 59.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 71.5 percent. Natural Gas Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 20.6 40.8 6.3 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 33.7 31.6 2.4 – Net Position: -129,419 90,840 38,579 – Gross Longs: 203,204 402,705 62,574 – Gross Shorts: 332,623 311,865 23,995 – Long to Short Ratio: 0.6 to 1 1.3 to 1 2.6 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 39.7 59.5 71.5 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish Bullish Bullish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -4.3 8.4 -28.5   Gasoline Blendstock Futures: The Gasoline Blendstock Futures large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 32,099 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 692 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 31,407 net contracts. This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 2.8 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 94.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 81.7 percent. Nasdaq Mini Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 26.6 53.7 8.0 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 15.4 68.4 4.4 – Net Position: 32,099 -42,454 10,355 – Gross Longs: 76,657 154,967 23,177 – Gross Shorts: 44,558 197,421 12,822 – Long to Short Ratio: 1.7 to 1 0.8 to 1 1.8 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 2.8 94.6 81.7 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish-Extreme Bullish-Extreme Bullish-Extreme NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -1.7 4.3 -17.4   #2 Heating Oil NY-Harbor Futures: The #2 Heating Oil NY-Harbor Futures large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 7,508 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -2,056 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 9,564 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 53.5 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 43.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 61.5 percent. Heating Oil Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 16.5 52.6 14.9 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 13.7 62.1 8.2 – Net Position: 7,508 -25,743 18,235 – Gross Longs: 44,423 141,515 40,222 – Gross Shorts: 36,915 167,258 21,987 – Long to Short Ratio: 1.2 to 1 0.8 to 1 1.8 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 53.5 43.9 61.5 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bullish Bearish Bullish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: 16.0 -9.9 -5.4   Bloomberg Commodity Index Futures: The Bloomberg Commodity Index Futures large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -7,349 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 703 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -8,052 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 79.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 20.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 21.6 percent. Bloomberg Index Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 27.6 68.6 0.7 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 38.8 57.9 0.2 – Net Position: -7,349 7,041 308 – Gross Longs: 18,077 45,029 456 – Gross Shorts: 25,426 37,988 148 – Long to Short Ratio: 0.7 to 1 1.2 to 1 3.1 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 79.4 20.4 21.6 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bullish Bearish Bearish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: 8.8 -7.5 -13.1   Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Reports by Email *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.

By InvestMacro | COT | Data Tables | COT Leaders | Downloads | COT Newsletter 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 June 28th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets. The stock market speculator bets were mostly lower this week as three out of the eight stock markets we cover had very small gains in positioning this week while five markets had lower contracts. Leading the gains for stock markets was Russell 2000 Mini (976 contracts) with the Dow Jones Industrial Average Mini (400 contracts) and VIX (354 contracts) also showing a positive weeks. Meanwhile, leading the decreases in speculator bets this week were the S&P500 Mini (-24,907 contracts) and the Nasdaq Mini (-6,616 contracts) with the MSCI Emerging Markets Mini (-6,141 contracts), MSCI EAFE Mini (-2,182 contracts) and Nikkei 225 USD (-23 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week. Strength scores (3-Year range of Speculator positions, from 0 to 100 where above 80 percent is extreme bullish and below 20 percent is extreme bearish) show that the Nasdaq Mini leads currently with an extreme bullish score of 89 percent. The VIX is also at an extreme bullish score of 84.4 percent while on the downside, the Russell 2000 Mini (1 percent) and the Dow Jones Mini (4.6 percent) are both in extreme bearish positions. Strength score trends (or move index, that calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) show that the Nikkei 225 Yen (15 percent), Nasdaq Mini (5 percent) and the Nikkei 225 USD (2 percent) are the only markets with rising scores over the past six weeks. The S&P Mini (-38 percent) and the Russell 2000 Mini (-21 percent) lead the downward trends of strength scores. Data Snapshot of Stock Market Traders | Columns Legend Jun-28-2022 OI OI-Index Spec-Net Spec-Index Com-Net COM-Index Smalls-Net Smalls-Index S&P500-Mini 2,248,771 6 -139,226 30 168,405 96 -29,179 20 Nikkei 225 13,442 8 -1,615 70 2,101 40 -486 22 Nasdaq-Mini 248,045 41 24,190 89 -19,930 14 -4,260 40 DowJones-Mini 66,759 23 -25,073 5 29,675 99 -4,602 14 VIX 257,123 14 -49,569 84 56,789 17 -7,220 56 Nikkei 225 Yen 56,111 38 2,330 41 24,398 87 -26,728 20   VIX Volatility Futures: The VIX Volatility large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -49,569 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly advance of 354 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -49,923 net contracts. This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 84.4 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 16.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 56.3 percent. VIX Volatility Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 17.4 54.5 8.6 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 36.7 32.4 11.4 – Net Position: -49,569 56,789 -7,220 – Gross Longs: 44,726 140,039 22,123 – Gross Shorts: 94,295 83,250 29,343 – Long to Short Ratio: 0.5 to 1 1.7 to 1 0.8 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 84.4 16.7 56.3 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bullish-Extreme Bearish-Extreme Bullish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -5.0 4.2 6.6   S&P500 Mini Futures: The S&P500 Mini large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -139,226 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -24,907 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -114,319 net contracts. This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 30.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 96.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 20.2 percent. S&P500 Mini Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 11.0 76.8 10.0 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 17.2 69.3 11.3 – Net Position: -139,226 168,405 -29,179 – Gross Longs: 248,313 1,726,190 223,854 – Gross Shorts: 387,539 1,557,785 253,033 – Long to Short Ratio: 0.6 to 1 1.1 to 1 0.9 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 30.4 96.1 20.2 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish Bullish-Extreme Bearish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -38.1 39.6 -3.2   Dow Jones Mini Futures: The Dow Jones Mini large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -25,073 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 400 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -25,473 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 4.6 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 98.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 13.8 percent. Dow Jones Mini Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 13.5 70.5 14.9 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 51.1 26.1 21.8 – Net Position: -25,073 29,675 -4,602 – Gross Longs: 9,011 47,089 9,948 – Gross Shorts: 34,084 17,414 14,550 – Long to Short Ratio: 0.3 to 1 2.7 to 1 0.7 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 4.6 98.9 13.8 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish-Extreme Bullish-Extreme Bearish-Extreme NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -2.0 4.9 -12.8   Nasdaq Mini Futures: The Nasdaq Mini large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of 24,190 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -6,616 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 30,806 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 88.5 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 14.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 39.7 percent. Nasdaq Mini Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 31.8 51.9 14.3 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 22.1 59.9 16.0 – Net Position: 24,190 -19,930 -4,260 – Gross Longs: 78,987 128,769 35,528 – Gross Shorts: 54,797 148,699 39,788 – Long to Short Ratio: 1.4 to 1 0.9 to 1 0.9 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 88.5 14.2 39.7 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bullish-Extreme Bearish-Extreme Bearish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: 5.0 -6.6 3.5   Russell 2000 Mini Futures: The Russell 2000 Mini large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -104,620 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 976 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -105,596 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 0.6 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 11.0 percent. Russell 2000 Mini Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 7.2 88.3 3.3 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 25.6 69.0 4.2 – Net Position: -104,620 109,982 -5,362 – Gross Longs: 41,196 503,528 18,674 – Gross Shorts: 145,816 393,546 24,036 – Long to Short Ratio: 0.3 to 1 1.3 to 1 0.8 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 0.6 100.0 11.0 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish-Extreme Bullish-Extreme Bearish-Extreme NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -21.1 20.1 -4.1   Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures: The Nikkei Stock Average (USD) large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -1,615 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly reduction of -23 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,592 net contracts. This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 69.8 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 40.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 22.2 percent. Nikkei Stock Average Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 31.4 52.1 16.2 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 43.4 36.5 19.8 – Net Position: -1,615 2,101 -486 – Gross Longs: 4,220 7,007 2,177 – Gross Shorts: 5,835 4,906 2,663 – Long to Short Ratio: 0.7 to 1 1.4 to 1 0.8 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 69.8 40.1 22.2 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bullish Bearish Bearish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: 1.5 -10.4 22.2   MSCI EAFE Mini Futures: The MSCI EAFE Mini large speculator standing this week resulted in a net position of -1,986 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -2,182 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 196 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 21.8 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 79.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 40.7 percent. MSCI EAFE Mini Futures Statistics SPECULATORS COMMERCIALS SMALL TRADERS – Percent of Open Interest Longs: 5.1 92.2 2.0 – Percent of Open Interest Shorts: 5.6 92.3 1.3 – Net Position: -1,986 -510 2,496 – Gross Longs: 19,973 360,111 7,717 – Gross Shorts: 21,959 360,621 5,221 – Long to Short Ratio: 0.9 to 1 1.0 to 1 1.5 to 1 NET POSITION TREND: – Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct): 21.8 79.9 40.7 – Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range): Bearish Bullish Bearish NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX: – 6-Week Change in Strength Index: -1.5 0.5 6.8   Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Reports by Email *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.

Or further to go? The focus has shifted in recent weeks from how far central banks are going to go in their tightening cycles to how much of an economic slowdown we are facing and if a recession is still avoidable. There’s no easy answer to that question and while there are signs that markets are starting to price in a recession, there is no consensus. Of course, the fate of some countries looks more certain than others but in most cases, it’s far from a foregone conclusion. For this reason, the economic data over the next week, as well as the views of policymakers, could be huge in determining how markets will behave. The bank holiday on Monday means it’s a late start for the US but the rest of the week is anything but quiet. The US jobs report and Fed minutes are the obvious standouts but there’s plenty more on top that will ensure it’s another fascinating week. Can the Fed become more hawkish? Another super-sized rate hike expected from the RBA What next for the yen? US A shortened trading week on Wall Street will have traders focusing on the FOMC minutes, a few Fed speakers, and the June nonfarm payroll report. The Fed’s minutes to the last meeting will likely bolster the case for another massive rate hike as inflation remains stubbornly high.  The June nonfarm payroll report is expected to show the economy added 250,000 jobs in June, a deceleration from the 390,000 jobs added in the prior month.  The unemployment rate is expected to remain steady at 3.6% and average hourly wages might maintain the same 0.3% pace from a month ago.   A couple of Fed hawks, Bullard and Waller will likely make the case for the Fed to be aggressive with the tightening of monetary policy.  Fed’s Williams will also speak and has recently noted that 50 or 75 bps will be the debate at the July FOMC meeting.  EU I don’t think there’s any such thing as a quiet week for Europe at the moment but next week is probably as close as it gets. The bulk of the week is made up of tier two and three data like final services PMIs which are typically not subject to large revisions.  The ECB meeting accounts will naturally be of interest although I’m not sure what we’ll get from them considering how explicit the central bank has been in its intentions. What’s happened since has probably been more significant as it could influence how aggressive they’ll be with the lift-off in a few weeks. For this reason, comments from President Lagarde and her colleagues will be more significant. UK A light week on the data front, with the highlight being the final services PMI on Tuesday. But there are a number of BoE policymakers appearing next week including Governor Bailey on Tuesday, with traders keen to know if the MPC will finally join the super-sized club or continue with the slow and steady approach. Russia Inflation and PMI data next week, with the former of particular note. That said, the central bank has made clear its intention to continue cutting rates as inflation falls. The Key Rate has already fallen back to 9.5% from 20% where it was hiked to after the invasion. But further cuts could follow in an attempt to support the economy and offset the strength of the rouble. South Africa The whole economy PMI on Tuesday is the only notable release next week.  Turkey Restrictions on lira lending last week had the desired effect on the currency, seeing the USDTRY fall more than 8% over the next couple of days before pulling back. It’s now only 3.5% from the highs, suggesting the government has more to do. A 25% increase in the minimum wage announced on Friday will neither tame inflation nor make people’s lives dramatically easier. Further pain ahead. CPI data on Monday is expected to show annual inflation jumped to 78.35% in June from 73.5% in May. Switzerland Inflation data on Monday could support the argument for further rate hikes from the SNB. They do love to spring a surprise on the markets, in contrast to every other central bank, so we can’t ignore the possibility of an inter-meeting decision, even if it appears unlikely at the moment.  China China continues to have relatively low inflation, in sharp contrast to skyrocketing inflation in most major economies. The June inflation report will be released on Friday. The estimate stands at 2.2% YoY, a notch higher than the 2.1% gain in May. The modest inflationary pressures have allowed the PBOC to continue to inject more stimulus into the economy in order to boost growth. India Services PMI is the only release of note next week. Australia  The RBA holds its policy meeting on Tuesday. In June, the RBA raised rates by 0.50%, surprising the markets which had expected a much smaller increase. Still, with the cash rate currently below 1%, the central bank will have to press the rate pedal to the floor in order to curb soaring inflation. Another 0.50% increase is widely expected at the upcoming meeting, which would bring the cash rate to 1.35%.   New Zealand It’s a quiet week out of New Zealand, with Wednesday’s Reserve Bank of New Zealand Statement of Intent the only tier-1 event. The RBNZ will present its objectives for the next three years and the markets will be looking for insights into the Bank’s future rate policy. The cash rate is currently at 2.0% and the Bank is expected to raise rates when it meets on July 13th.Japan Japan releases household spending on Friday. Japan’s inflation of 2.1% has been much more moderate than in the UK or the US, where inflation is close to double digits. Still, consumers are not used to prices rising, after 15 years of very low inflation.  A weaker yen has made imports more expensive, and the Japanese consumer is holding tighter to their purse strings. Household spending is expected to fall by 0.9% in May, after a decline of 1.7% in April. Singapore Singapore releases retail sales on Tuesday. The May release came in at 12.1% YoY, pointing to a sharp gain in consumer spending. Economic Calendar Saturday, July 2 Economic Events ECB’s Schnabel speaks on the world economy, monetary policy and the Russia-Ukraine war Sunday, July 3 Economic Events German Chancellor Scholz gives a traditional “summer interview” on ARD TV Monday, July 4 Economic Data/Events US markets closed for Independence Day Turkey CPI  Switzerland CPI Australia building approvals, inflation gauge, home loans value Canada Manufacturing PMI Euro area PPI Germany trade Japan monetary base Singapore electronics sector index, PMI Spain unemployment The Ukraine Recovery Conference occurs in Switzerland Tuesday, July 5 Economic Data/Events US factory orders, durable goods Thailand CPI  European PMIs: Eurozone, France, Russia Australia PMI RBA rate decision: Expected to raise rates by 50bps to 1.35% India PMI Singapore PMI South Africa PMI China Caixin PMIs France industrial production Japan labor cash earnings, PMI Mexico international reserves New Zealand commodity prices, house prices Singapore retail sales BOE releases financial stability report Wednesday, July 6 Economic Data/Events US PMIs, ISM services index, JOLTS job openings, FOMC minutes Euro area retail sales Germany factory orders Spain industrial production UK PM Johnson appears before Parliament’s Liaison Committee UN posts annual “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” report. ECB’s Rehn speaks on a panel on Finnish foreign policy and security BOE Chief Economist Pill delivers the keynote speech on the second day of the Qatar Centre for Global Banking & Finance’s annual conference in London BOE Deputy Governor Cunliffe speaks on a panel about central bank digital currency Thursday, July 7 Economic Data/Events US ADP employment change, initial jobless claims, trade G20 foreign ministers meet in Bali Fed’s Waller speaks at National Association for Business Economics event Fed’s Bullard speaks at an event hosted by Little Rock Regional Chamber BOE releases its decision maker survey. ECB publishes accounts of its June policy meeting. ECB’s Stournaras, Centeno and Herodotou speak at the Annual Economist Government Roundtable in Athens BOE’s Mann speaks at the LC-MA Forum on current monetary-policy issues Mexico CPI China foreign reserves  Australia Foreign reserves, trade Singapore foreign reserves Germany industrial production  Poland rate decision: Expected to raise rates by 75bps to 6.75% Canada trade  Switzerland unemployment rate Chile copper exports Hungary one-week deposit rate Japan leading index Mexico releases monetary policy minutes Russia foreign exchange, gold reserves Thailand consumer confidence EIA crude oil inventory report Friday, July 8 Economic Data/Events US nonfarm payrolls, unemployment, wholesale inventories, consumer credit Fed’s Williams speaks at an event hosted by the University of Puerto Rico ECB’s Lagarde, Schnabel, Villeroy and Stournaras speak at The French Davos, Recontres Econmiques forum ECB posts climate-risk stress test results for European banks Russia CPI  Italy industrial production  France trade  Canada unemployment Japan household spending, BoP, trade balance, bank lending, bankruptcies New Zealand heavy traffic index Thailand forward contracts, foreign reserves Turkey current account Sovereign Rating Updates Greece (Fitch) Turkey (Fitch) EFSF (Fitch) ESM (Fitch) Netherlands (DBRS)  This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Corporation or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds. Week Ahead - Peak Fed Tightening? - MarketPulseMarketPulse

The euro is sharply lower on Friday and is currently trading just above the 1.04 line, down 0.76%. Eurozone inflation outperforms Eurozone CPI for June was higher than expected, at 8.6% YoY. The estimate stood at 8.4% and inflation rose sharply from the May reading of 8.1%. This marked a record-high. There was better news from the core reading, which dropped marginally to 3.7% YoY, down from 3.8% in May. Investors have given the inflation data a thumbs-down today and sent the euro tumbling ahead of the weekend. With inflation continuing to accelerate and the ECB revising downwards its growth forecast, the spectre of stagflation in the bloc remains very real. The ECB is no doubt dismayed that inflation was higher than expected, but it’s unclear if the record-high CPI release will be enough to deliver a supersize 0.50% hike for its lift-off next month. At this week’s ECB forum, ECB head Lagarde talked tough and downplayed concerns over a recession, but there are plenty of dark clouds hovering above the eurozone economy. High inflation, weak growth and the energy crisis with Russia mean that there is certainly good reason to be concerned about a significant downturn in the eurozone economy. In the US, there are worrying signs that the economy is weakening. US Personal Spending fell to 0.3%, down from 0.6% (0.4% exp.). Inflation appears to be declining slowly and the labour market is in solid shape. CME’s FedWatch is putting the likelihood of a supersize 0.75% rate increase at 75%, as markets expect the Fed to remain aggressive against inflation. Can a recession be avoided? Fed Chair Powell is saying all the right things in downplaying concerns about the “R” word, but many market participants have their doubts and feel that the US economy will not be able to avoid a recession. . EUR/USD Technical EUR/USD is testing support at 1.0408. The next support level is at 1.0346 There is resistance at 1.0482 and 1.0544 This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Corporation or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds. Euro slides as inflation jumps - MarketPulseMarketPulse

OANDA Senior Market Analyst Craig Erlam talks about USDJPY as the rally once again loses momentum.   This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Corporation or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds. USD/JPY - Rally running on fumes? - MarketPulseMarketPulse

Summary: Fed policymakers are signaling yet another 75 basis point rate increase in July. WTI is bullish. Platinum Prices are at 19 month lows. Read next: https://www.fxmag.com/commodities/wheat-prices-supported-by-increased-importer-demand-weaker-demand-is-plunging-platinum-prices-rbob-gasoline  Gold Futures near 7 week lows. Gold prices neared near 7 week lows on Friday as a strong dollar continued on its path to dampening demand for bullion, whilst a broader market sentiment in risk assets pushed investors to liquidate their gold positions to offset losses in their other holdings. Fed policymakers indicated during this week a commitment to controlling inflation even at the risk of a recession, signaling yet another 75 basis point rate increase in July. Gold is normally considered as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, however higher interest rates increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. Gold Aug ‘22 Futures Price Chart Investors weigh tight supply on the backdrop of falling demand WTI Crude Oil WTI crude oil futures dipped and bounced back during the Friday trading day as investors weighed a tightening supply on the backdrop of recession prospects and a slowing economy causing a decline in demand. Earlier this week OPEC+ agreed to stick to its output strategy, increasing production by 648,000 barrels per day in July and August, despite signs that the physical crude market remains very tight. In addition, factors added to the bullish outlook for crude include supply outages in Libya and expected shutdowns in Norway. WTI Crude Oil Aug ‘22 Futures Price Chart Platinum prices at 19 month lows Platinum prices plunged amidst prospects of a weaker demand for the metal that outweighed the fear of tighter supplies. As major central banks all over the world continue to raise interest rates in an attempt to control inflation despite the possibility of a recession, in the wake of aggressive monetary policy, a slowdown in economic activity (including vehicle production) is inevitable. As the war in the Ukraine shows no signs of slowing, global platinum supplies are expected to remain subdued. Platinum Oct ‘22 Futures Price Chart Sources: finance.yahoo.com, tradingeconomics.com, fxmag.com

S&P 500 closes down again on Thursday by 0.88%.SPY falls 20% in the first half of the year.Bonds also fall in the first half, making it a terrible year for asset portfolios.The S&P 500 or SPY ETF closed out the half-year in a subdued fashion on Thursday as the anticipated repositioning did not materialize. Long-only investors and mutual funds opted to remain underweight equities. July is historically one of the better months for S&P 500 performance and is the best performing month historically in the third quarter. S&P 500 SPY stock newsAs we can see, this half of the year has been a terrible one for stock and bond portfolios. The Fed has been behind the raging inflation curve and has pivoted way too late to a hawkish policy.Now financial markets are betting on recession, and the latest GDPNOW figure from the Atlanta Fed is not exactly comforting. It is showing expected Q2 GDP falling 1%.Source:atlantafed.orgThe bond market as mentioned is convinced the Fed is hiking into a recession and has been pricing rate cuts for early 2023. Given that the Fed is late to the party, we see that as highly unlikely. They always over-hike and then over-cut. They have largely moved inflation from transitory by their policies and are now likely to engineer a deep recession by hiking for too long. All this means of course that equities and risk assets will again find H2 to be a tough ask. S&P 500 (SPY) stock forecastWe do not expect a huge amount of volatility now as we enter earnings season. We expect this earnings season to be when the penny drops with Wall Street analysts as EPS forecasts will be cut and the S&P 500 will naturally then edge lower. Remember macroeconomics impacts EPS which in turn impacts stock prices. Macro remains poor in most regions and the global economy is slowing markedly. International trade is more expensive, there are more barriers to trade, and energy costs are pricing sticky.Corporate earnings in the US will also be hit by conversion charges of overseas currency earnings into a strong US dollar. There is a strong correlation between lower earnings for corporate America and a strong dollar.Still, SPY has a gap to be filled from $395 to $401. Resistance above is $415 which is key. SPY stock chart, daily