FX.co ★ Speculators Deepen Net Short Bets on Pound as CFTC Positions Widen to -97.6K

Speculative sentiment toward the British pound has turned more negative, with traders increasing their net short positions, according to the latest data on CFTC GBP speculative net positions. As of 09 October 2026, net speculative positioning in sterling fell to -97.6K contracts, compared with -91.1K previously.

The widening negative balance indicates that, on aggregate, speculative traders are holding a larger number of short positions than long positions in GBP than in the prior reporting period. This shift underscores growing bearishness toward the pound, as market participants position for potential downside in the UK currency relative to its peers.

While the CFTC data do not explain the drivers behind the move, the increase in net shorts suggests that investors are either hedging against further weakness in sterling or actively betting on a decline, reflecting a more cautious stance toward UK-related currency risk.