FX.co ★ Speculators Deepen Bearish Bets on Australian Dollar as Net Shorts Widen

The latest Commitments of Traders data show that speculative sentiment toward the Australian dollar has turned more negative, with net short positions expanding further in the week ending prior to 14 August 2026. According to CFTC figures, AUD speculative net positions fell to -39.2K contracts, down from -33.2K previously.

The increase in net shorts suggests that traders are adding to bearish bets on the Australian currency, potentially reflecting concerns over Australia’s economic outlook, global risk appetite, or relative interest rate dynamics versus major peers. The data, updated on 14 August 2026, indicate that positioning in the AUD futures market is moving more decisively into negative territory, leaving the currency more vulnerable to shifts in sentiment or macroeconomic surprises.