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• The net short USD position fell by $4bn to $17.8bn outstanding, with the
largest positioning shifts coming against CAD and EUR, though GBP also
saw a relatively large negative shift in positioning. While AUD and CHF
were the only two major currencies to see constructive positioning shifts
against the USD, the gains were rather subdued.
• The net long CAD position fell by $1.2bn to $3bn outstanding, which is
somewhat surprising considering the performance of CAD through Tuesday
on the announcement of BHP’s interest in buying Potash. It is likely that the
previous week’s sharp weakening in CAD significantly hurt bullish position-
ing, and that the CFTC data actually reflects a good deal of moderation in
this negativity. This begs the question of how negative CAD positioning
would be in the absence of the M&A news. Weak CPI data on Friday and
the subsequent sharp rise in USDCAD will do nothing to support an im-
provement in bullish loonie positioning.
• The net short EUR position increased after almost reaching flat last week.
Shorts increased by a margin of 3 to 1 against longs, leading to a $1.8bn
increase in the net short EUR position. This leaves the overall position at a
still relatively subdued $2.4bn net short.
• GBP bulls backed off as longs were cut and shorts increased almost one-
for-one, placing speculative GBP positioning back into net short territory.
The ability of GBPUSD to close this week above the pivotal 1.55 is positive,
however the pair remains challenged given Friday’s dip below that level,
suggesting shorts will become increasingly emboldened.
• The net short US 10-year Treasury position was virtually unchanged
(falling only marginally), but US economic data has not shown any propen-
sity for sharp improvement, suggesting shorts will continue to be pressured.
2
Global FX Research Friday, August 20, 2010
3
Global FX Research Friday, August 20, 2010
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