CFTC’s S&P 500 NC net positions in the U.S. increased from $-122.1K to $-81.8K

    by VT Markets
    /
    Jan 24, 2026
    The net positions in the S&P 500 have improved, moving from $-122.1K to $-81.8K according to the United States CFTC. This shows that the market is becoming less negative. Gold prices are rising and are nearing $5,000 per troy ounce. This increase is due to a weaker US Dollar and fluctuating US Treasury yields. The US Dollar is facing pressure, which is affecting commodity and currency movements.

    Forex Market Movements

    The EUR/USD has climbed above 1.1800, fueled by speculation about Japan’s intervention, which has weakened the US Dollar. Similarly, the GBP/USD is nearing 1.3600, hitting new four-month highs as the dollar continues to drop. In the cryptocurrency space, UBS Group AG is set to offer cryptocurrency investment services to select clients, including options to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has struggled, dropping below $90,000 and correcting nearly 5% over the week. The Federal Reserve is likely to pause after three consecutive rate cuts, and the Bank of Canada is also expected to hold steady. Ongoing discussions about Fed nominations and potential changes could impact the market’s direction. Bearish sentiment on the S&P 500 is decreasing, as large speculators have reduced their net short positions from $-122.1K to $-81.8K. This indicates that confidence in a market downturn is waning. This marks the largest weekly drop in short positions since the third quarter of 2025.

    US Dollar Situation

    The main factor for this change is the sharp decline of the US Dollar, which has faced pressure from rumors of intervention by Japan’s Ministry of Finance. The US Dollar Index (DXY) has fallen through important support levels, recently dropping to 99.50, a low not seen in over a year. This weakness makes US exports more appealing and boosts profits for multinational companies in the S&P 500. With this in mind, we should consider preparing for potential gains in equity markets. With the S&P 500 comfortably above 6,500, buying near-term call options on the index is a good way to benefit from both the positive sentiment and the support from a weaker currency. Changes in speculative positioning often lead to movements in the underlying asset, as seen in the rally during the second half of 2025. Gold has significantly benefited from this situation, rising towards $5,000 as investors move away from the falling dollar in favor of hard assets. This strong inverse relationship between gold and the dollar is well-known. We should consider long positions in gold futures or options on gold ETFs to take advantage of this strong trend. In currency trading, there have been rapid movements. The EUR/USD surpassed 1.1800, and GBP/USD reached 1.3600. The Federal Reserve’s dovish approach, following three rate cuts in late 2025, is creating a clear divide in policy compared to other central banks. Using currency options to bet on further dollar weakness against the Euro and Pound seems like a wise strategy. However, we should be cautious, as this market is being driven by rumors and emotions, pushing the VIX index up to 22.5 this past week. Unexpected news, such as the upcoming Fed chair nomination, could lead to sudden reversals. Therefore, using derivative spreads to manage risk is a safer strategy than taking on unlimited-risk positions. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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