17.04.202619:30:00UTC+00Speculators Deepen Bearish Bets on Canadian Dollar as Net Shorts Hit -78.3K

Positioning in the Canadian dollar turned more pessimistic, with CFTC data showing that speculative net positions in CAD fell to -78.3K, down from -55.6K previously. The latest figures, updated on 17 April 2026, indicate an expansion in net short positions against the Canadian currency.

The widening negative balance suggests that traders and speculators are increasingly positioning for further weakness in the loonie. Compared with the prior reading, the shift reflects a notable acceleration in bearish sentiment, potentially driven by concerns over Canada’s economic outlook or relative monetary policy expectations versus other major currencies.

Market participants will be watching upcoming Canadian economic releases and central bank communications closely to see whether this increase in speculative short exposure continues, stabilizes, or reverses in the coming weeks.