Net speculative positions in S&P 500 futures have become less negative, suggesting a modest easing of bearish sentiment toward U.S. equities. According to the latest CFTC data updated on 16 October 2026, speculative net positions in the S&P 500 improved to -141.0K contracts, compared with a previous level of -154.1K contracts.
While positioning remains net short, the reduction in the size of these bearish bets indicates that some investors are scaling back expectations of further downside in the U.S. stock market. The shift may reflect reassessment of risk, profit-taking on earlier bearish trades, or a more cautious outlook on future volatility. Market participants will be watching upcoming data and policy signals to see whether this moderation in short positions continues or reverses in the weeks ahead.
