2026.09.2519:30:00UTC+00Speculators Deepen Bearish Bets on S&P 500 Futures, CFTC Data Shows

Speculative traders have increased their bearish positions on the S&P 500, according to the latest data on CFTC S&P 500 speculative net positions for the United States. The net position fell from -100.5K contracts previously to -133.2K contracts, indicating a notable expansion in net short exposure.

The figures, updated on 25 September 2026, suggest that speculative market participants have grown more cautious—or outright pessimistic—on the near-term outlook for the U.S. equity benchmark. While the data do not explain the reasons behind the shift, the move toward deeper negative positioning underscores rising hedging activity or increased conviction among traders that the S&P 500 could face additional downside pressure.