FX.co ★ Speculators Trim Bearish Bets on Pound as CFTC GBP Net Shorts Narrow

Speculative positioning in the British pound has turned less negative, according to the latest data on CFTC GBP speculative net positions. As of 28 August 2026, net short positions in sterling narrowed to -44.5K, compared with -54.6K previously.

The shift indicates that traders have scaled back some of their bearish exposure to the pound, even though overall positioning remains in net short territory. The moderation in negative bets may suggest a tentative improvement in sentiment toward the UK currency, or profit-taking among speculators who had previously built up larger short positions.

Market participants will be watching upcoming UK economic data and central bank signals for clues on whether this easing in bearish positioning marks the start of a more sustained reassessment of sterling’s prospects or a temporary adjustment in speculative flows.