FX.co ★ Sterling Bears Deepen Bets as CFTC Data Shows Wider Net Short Positions

Speculative sentiment toward the British pound has turned more negative, with traders increasing their net short exposure, according to the latest Commitments of Traders (CFTC) data released on 11 September 2026.

Net speculative positions in GBP fell to -58.8K contracts, compared with -49.6K previously, signaling that market participants have expanded their bearish bets against the UK currency. The widening negative balance indicates that, on aggregate, more investors are positioning for further pound weakness or hedging against potential downside risks.

While the data alone do not explain the drivers behind the shift, the move to a deeper net short stance suggests that confidence in sterling has softened further since the last reporting period, with traders increasingly leaning toward a cautious or defensive view on the UK currency.