US CFTC data shows gold non-commercial net positions rose to 160.1K. They were 159.2K in the previous report.
This is an increase of 0.9K net positions. The figures refer to US gold futures positioning data reported by the CFTC.
Gold Positioning Turns Slightly More Bullish
The slight uptick in net long positions for gold, now at 160.1K contracts, shows that large speculators are adding to their bullish bets. While the increase is modest, it reinforces the underlying positive sentiment in the market. This suggests a belief that the upward trend has further to go.
This sentiment aligns with recent economic data, as the February 2026 Consumer Price Index came in hotter than anticipated at 3.2%. Consequently, the Federal Reserve has signaled it will likely delay any potential rate cuts, creating uncertainty that typically benefits gold. We see traders using gold derivatives to hedge against this persistent inflation.
We observed a similar pattern of gradual accumulation by non-commercials throughout the second half of 2025, just before gold made its decisive move above the $2,400 level. This historical precedent suggests that current positioning could be the groundwork for another leg higher. Traders should monitor for a breakout above recent highs as a confirmation signal.
However, a key risk to consider is the strength of the U.S. dollar, with the DXY holding firm around the 105 mark. A persistently strong dollar can act as a headwind for gold prices, potentially capping the upside in the near term. This is a crucial factor to watch when structuring any new bullish positions.
Options Strategies For Near Term Upside
In the coming weeks, traders might consider establishing or adding to bullish positions using call options to capitalize on potential upside with defined risk. Given the recent price consolidation, buying at-the-money calls or using bull call spreads could offer an effective way to position for a breakout. We should manage trade sizes carefully until a clearer trend emerges.
