2026.02.2720:30:00UTC+00Speculators Cut Net Short Wheat Bets as CFTC Positioning Narrows Sharply

Speculative traders in U.S. wheat futures have sharply reduced their bearish exposure, according to the latest Commitments of Traders data from the CFTC updated on 27 February 2026. Net speculative positions improved from -55.1K contracts previously to -16.1K, signaling a substantial narrowing of net short bets on the grain.

The move suggests hedge funds and other speculative participants are reining in expectations for further downside in wheat prices, shifting from a strongly negative stance toward a more neutral positioning. While speculative traders remain net short overall, the scale of the adjustment indicates changing sentiment in the U.S. wheat market, with fewer investors willing to maintain large bearish positions at current levels.

Market participants will now be watching upcoming supply, demand, and weather developments to see whether the reduced net short positioning is a precursor to a potential turn toward net long speculative interest, or merely a tactical pullback after an extended period of negative bets.