FX.co ★ Gold Bulls Edge Higher as CFTC Speculative Net Longs Rise to 162.5K

Speculative interest in gold futures strengthened in the latest reporting period, with net long positions climbing to 162.5K contracts in the United States, according to CFTC data updated on 17 April 2026. This marks an increase from the previous reading of 156.3K, signaling a modest but notable uptick in bullish sentiment among traders.

The rise in speculative net positions suggests that market participants are increasingly positioning for further gains in the gold price or seeking additional protection amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties. While the move is incremental, the steady build-up in long exposure underlines gold’s continued appeal as a strategic asset for both risk management and potential upside.

Investors will now watch whether this growing speculative interest translates into sustained momentum in the gold market, or if the latest increase proves to be a short-term positioning adjustment ahead of forthcoming economic data and policy signals from U.S. authorities.