The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued a request for comment on Thursday regarding potential modifications to its Commitments of Traders Reports (COT Reports) program.
COT reports are based on data supplied by clearing members, foreign brokers, and exchanges and other reporting firms and provide a summary of each Tuesday’s open interest for futures and options on futures markets where at least 20 traders hold positions equal to or above the reporting levels the CFTC established.
Potential changes include publishing reports on a more frequent basis and changing the content of the reports.
“After significant outreach and communication with the agricultural community and commercial end users, the Commission is examining the current structure and publication of our COT Reports,” CFTC Chairman Michael Selig. “Public comment will give the agency vital perspective as we evaluate potential modifications to its COT Reports program.”
The request for comment includes background on the program, its purpose, data, and evolution and outlines changes in market structure affecting the reports. It asks questions regarding potential future modifications.
Comments must be made in writing and received within 30 days of the request’s publication in the Federal Register. Comments may be submitted electronically.
The last COT Reports update was in 2006.