2026.03.2019:30:00UTC+00Speculators Trim Bearish Bets on S&P 500 Futures as Net Shorts Narrow

Speculative positioning in S&P 500 futures has turned less bearish, according to the latest data on CFTC S&P 500 speculative net positions for the United States. Net short positions narrowed to -113.1K contracts, compared with a previous level of -134.5K contracts.

The data, updated on 20 March 2026, indicate that while traders remain net short on the S&P 500, some of the pessimism has eased. The reduction in net short exposure suggests a degree of short-covering or a more cautious stance among bearish speculators, potentially reflecting shifting expectations around U.S. equity market performance and macroeconomic conditions.