Anyone using Commitment of Traders report

Discussion in 'Technical Analysis' started by commoditiestrdr, Feb 11, 2008.

  1. commoditiestrdr

    commoditiestrdr Commodities View

    Hey I was wondering if anybody was using the commitment of traders reports to trade and if so how exactly are you using it.
     
  2. Wood474

    Wood474

    This is my take. Due to the lack of response to your question, you'd think no. However, serious professionals do use cot data. But, it has to be taken for what it is, just another indicator. Still needs confirmation. I do use it. Let me rephrase, I'm learning how to use it. Simply, right now I look for the extremes in commercial positions, which would therefore mean the large specs are the other way. Then I just keep it in mind until I see some price action evidence that the turn might be at hand. Once I see the large specs start to unwind positions, then I feel I'm more on track taking the direction of the commercials. It is important to look at the the commercials relative extremes against open interest.

    The way I see it is that due to the lack of replies to this thread, there is something valuable in the cot data when used correctly. You don't ultimately get serious traders writing on this site as they have better things to do and wouldn't necessarily want to disclose what and how they do it.

    I have posed questions regarding point and figure charting a couple of times with no great response. The lack of response indicated to me that learning it was therefore worth doing and I'm now glad I did.

    Use ET as a contrary indicator. If the masses don't know what you're talking about, then it's likely to be a valuable.
     
  3. That or traders have already scrutinized it and didn't find it very valuable.

    You'll find on your path that the traditional theory behind it can be VERY misleading.

    i.e. when you read to go long when commercials get long, go back and see how great that theory is.

    Then see if it always operates this way.
     
  4. Wood474

    Wood474

    Yeah agreed, but it's not that simple. You have to take it for what it is. Interpretted correctly it's a heads up as to what might be brewing. It's got no value for very short term trading, but swing and position I believe it has. It's just another indicator and you have to treat it as such.