Forex Institutional Positioning
CFTC Commitments of Traders data — see exactly where hedge funds and large speculators are positioned on major currency pairs this week.
How to Read COT Data
Four steps to turn institutional positioning into actionable trade ideas.
Find Net Position
Subtract Non-Commercial Shorts from Longs. A large positive number = big money is bullish on that currency.
Spot Extremes
Compare current net to 52-week range. Extreme readings (>80% of range) often precede reversals — the trade is crowded.
Watch the Change
Week-over-week change matters as much as the level. Rapidly increasing longs while price falls = accumulation.
Combine with Price
COT is a macro filter, not a timing tool. Use it to bias your direction, then use technicals for entry and exit.
EUR/USD — 4-Week COT History
Non-Commercial (speculator) positions only. Source: CFTC.
| Week Ending | Long Contracts | Short Contracts | Net Position | WoW Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 18, 2026 | 148,420 | 93,210 | +55,210 | ▲ +3,840 |
| Mar 11, 2026 | 144,580 | 93,010 | +51,570 | ▲ +7,120 |
| Mar 4, 2026 | 138,200 | 93,750 | +44,450 | ▼ -2,310 |
| Feb 25, 2026 | 139,830 | 93,070 | +46,760 | ▲ +5,640 |
Trade What You See
Act on Institutional Signals
Trade with a regulated broker that offers the pairs covered in COT data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is COT data?
COT (Commitments of Traders) is a weekly report published by the CFTC showing net positions of large speculators, commercial hedgers, and small traders in futures markets. Forex traders use it to gauge institutional sentiment and potential turning points.
How often is COT data released?
The CFTC publishes COT data every Friday at 3:30 PM ET, reflecting positions as of Tuesday of that week. There is a 3-day lag built into the data, so it reflects market positioning from mid-week.
How do I trade using COT data?
Look for extreme positioning — when large speculators are at multi-year highs in longs, a reversal may be near. Compare current net positions to historical extremes. Use COT as a macro filter alongside technical entry signals, never as a standalone timing tool.
What is "non-commercial" positioning?
Non-commercial traders are large speculators — hedge funds, commodity trading advisors (CTAs), and other institutional traders who trade for profit rather than to hedge business risk. Their positioning is what most forex traders focus on.
More Market Intelligence
Combine COT positioning with live social sentiment and the economic calendar.
Want a deeper understanding of COT data? Read the guide: How to Use the COT Report in Forex Trading →
Risk Warning: COT data is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial or investment advice. Trading forex and CFDs involves significant risk of loss. 74–89% of retail investor accounts lose money. Past positioning is not indicative of future price movements.