FX.co ★ Sterling Bears Deepen Bets as CFTC Net Shorts in GBP Widen to -42.4K

Speculative sentiment toward the British pound has turned markedly more negative, with the latest data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) showing a sharp increase in net short positions. As of 20 February 2026, GBP speculative net positions fell to -42.4K, compared with a previous reading of -25.8K.

The widening net short stance suggests that traders are becoming more bearish on sterling, increasing their bets against the currency relative to earlier positioning. The move from -25.8K to -42.4K underscores a notable shift in market expectations for the pound, as leveraged funds and other speculators reassess the UK’s economic and financial outlook.