What is the COT report used for?
It is used to inspect futures positioning structure, including trader categories, changes, and crowding.
COT Report Guide
COT Report Guide for Futures Positioning
The COT report helps futures readers inspect positioning structure: who is concentrated, where exposure changed, and whether a market looks unusual versus its own history. This guide explains the core language; the free COT Brief applies it to the latest verified release.
Start with the official report
The U.S. CFTC publishes the Commitments of Traders report. tiltline uses COT data as positioning context, not as a real-time trading instruction.
Then read the market in context
A raw net-positioning number is rarely enough. The useful read combines trader category, open interest, source date, weekly change, and the market's own positioning history.
Guide path
Use these pages to move from definition to interpretation, then inspect a real source-dated market brief.
| Page | Use |
|---|---|
| What is the COT report? | Define the report, publisher, fields, and delay. |
| How to read the COT report | Turn trader categories and net positioning into a structured read. |
| Gold COT Report | See the market-specific explanation and open its latest verified brief. |
| Free COT Brief | Apply the method to the latest verified release for one market. |
BoundaryPositioning context only. Not investment advice. Not a trade signal.
FAQ
Is COT data real-time?
No. COT data is delayed, so source dates should stay visible near current-data interpretation.
Does the COT report give trade signals?
No. It provides positioning context for research and risk review.