FX.co ★ Sterling Bears Trim Bets as CFTC Data Shows Slight Easing in Net Short Positions

Speculative traders have modestly reduced their bearish positions on the British pound, according to the latest Commitments of Traders (CFTC) data released on 17 April 2026. Net speculative GBP positions moved to -54.7K contracts, compared with a previous reading of -56.4K.

The shift indicates that while sentiment toward sterling remains negative overall, some market participants are scaling back expectations for further downside. The relatively small move suggests no dramatic change in the outlook, but it may point to a cautious reassessment of the UK currency’s prospects among hedge funds and other speculative traders.

With net positions still firmly in negative territory, the pound continues to face headwinds, yet the slight contraction in shorts could signal that the most aggressive bearish positioning has passed for now, pending new economic or policy developments in the United Kingdom.