A Fresh Burst of Euro-Optimism Ahead of the French Presidential Election

The French people will make a final decision on a President in less than 24 hours from the time of writing. Financial markets are in a much different place now than they were two weeks ago ahead of the initial round of voting. Thanks to the “French Fly” optimism is riding high and all assumptions … Read more

Silver Speculators Beat A Hasty Retreat Just As A Record Ends

In recent weeks I have wondered aloud why silver speculators were so bullish. In the latest Commitment of Traders (CoT) data it appears speculators are finally asking themselves the same thing. Source: Oanda’s CFTC’s Commitments of Traders In just two weeks, the level of net long futures contracts on silver have gone from levels not … Read more

An Important Breakout and Vindication for Silver Speculators

Last week, I noted that silver speculators returned to “maximum bullishness” but warned… “Just like the plunge on March 2nd, the key for SLV is the follow-through. On March 3rd, a small relief rally fell short of 200DMA resistance; two days later SLV gapped down on its way to a 50DMA breakdown. I am guessing … Read more

Silver Speculators Return to Maximum Bullishness

Do not tell silver speculators that the Federal Reserve is tightening monetary policy. The latest CFTC Commitments of Traders (CoT) report showed that silver speculators ran net long contracts to a new high, levels not seen since at least 2008. The increase in open interest confirmed the bullishness of silver speculators. Source: Oanda’s CFTC’s Commitment … Read more

Forex Critical: Speculators Hold Positions Even As Backdrops Shift

In my last posts on the euro (FXE), the Canadian dollar (FXC), and the British pound (FXB), I noted significant trading moves by speculators in foreign exchange as reported by the CFTC’s Commitments of Traders (CoT). The latest CFTC CoT report shows more of the same for these currencies but the backdrops may be shifting … Read more

Forex Critical: A New High for Shorts in the British Pound Sets Up Next Trading Juncture

Now I understand better why and how the British pound (FXB) soared so much in the wake of the latest announcement on monetary policy from the Bank of England (BoE). Source: FreeStockCharts.com Going into last week’s monetary events, speculators increased their net short contract position to levels not seen since at least 2008. Source: Oanda’s … Read more

Forex Critical: Rate Expectations Allow A Rise In Commodity Currencies

Currency traders spent much of 2016 cycling through bullish and bearish periods on the Australian dollar (FXA) and the Canadian dollar (FXC), the Western world’s two biggest commodity currencies. In particular, bullishness on both currencies waned rapidly going into the U.S. Federal Reserve’s rate hike in December. Speculators adjusted positions to net flat and then … Read more

Forex Critical: Up Is Down and Contrasts Confound

Last week was full of important news for forex trading. As a dollar bull, euro bear, and yen bear, the week presented particular challenges that hedging could only soothe a little bit. I had a good run with these positions in recent weeks. As forex goes, a setback was due – just too bad the … Read more