FX.co ★ Speculators Deepen Net Short Bets on Pound as CFTC Data Show Sharp Position Shift

Speculative sentiment toward the British pound has turned markedly more bearish, according to the latest Commitments of Traders data. Figures updated on 22 May 2026 show CFTC GBP speculative net positions falling to -64.3K, a substantial increase in net short exposure from the previous level of -43.1K.

The widening negative balance indicates that traders are significantly expanding their bets against sterling. A more pronounced net short position often reflects growing market expectations of relative weakness in the UK currency, as participants hedge or position for potential downside moves in the pound against major counterparts.

While the CFTC numbers do not explain the drivers behind the shift, the data underscore a notable deterioration in speculative confidence toward the UK currency over the latest reporting period, with positioning moving deeper into negative territory.