2026.05.0119:30:00UTC+00Gold Bulls Trim Bets as CFTC Net Long Positions Ease to 159.6K

Speculative interest in gold futures eased slightly in the latest reporting period, according to data from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) updated on 1 May 2026. Net speculative positions in gold slipped to 159.6K contracts, down from 164.0K previously.

The modest pullback suggests that some investors have taken profits or reduced exposure after recent gains in the precious metal, while overall positioning remains firmly in net-long territory. The shift may reflect a more cautious stance toward gold amid evolving expectations for U.S. monetary policy and global risk sentiment, with market participants reassessing the balance between inflation hedging and opportunity costs in other asset classes.

Although the decline in net longs indicates a cooling of the most aggressive bullish bets, positioning levels continue to signal underlying support for gold as a strategic safe-haven and portfolio diversifier. Traders will now watch upcoming macroeconomic data and central bank signals for clues on whether speculative interest in the metal will rebuild or continue to consolidate from recent highs.