2026.06.2619:30:00UTC+00Speculators Deepen Bearish Bets on U.S. Natural Gas as Net Shorts Widen

Net speculative positions in U.S. natural gas futures declined further into negative territory, signaling a slight increase in bearish sentiment among traders, according to the latest data released on 26 June 2026.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) reported that natural gas speculative net positions fell from -173.5K to -176.7K contracts. This widening of net short positions indicates that speculative traders, such as hedge funds and money managers, have modestly increased their bets on lower natural gas prices or maintained a cautious stance on the market’s near-term outlook.

While the shift is incremental, the deeper negative reading underscores persistent skepticism about sustained price strength in U.S. natural gas, with speculative participants positioning for potential downside or continued volatility in the sector.