MMA FREE WEEKLY COLUMN FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING AUGUST 31, 2026

REVIEW by Guest Contributor Gianni Di Poce

Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh used his Jackson Hole speech Friday to answer critics of his muddled July news conference, delivering a clearer warning that stubborn inflation could push the Fed toward a rate hike.

— Matt Peterson, “Analysis: Kevin Warsh Sharpens Inflation Warning at Jackson Hole, Signaling Possible Rate Hike,” CNBC, August 28, 2026.

Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole speech sent U.S. stocks tumbling on Friday, but they still capped off a positive week. In his speech, Warsh reaffirmed his hawkish stance and the Fed’s commitment to a 2% inflation target. Interestingly, this is almost a direct contradiction to the Treasury Department’s interventions in recent weeks, which were designed to keep interest rates from rising.

The good news is that the Nasdaq led the way higher after Nvidia reported blockbuster earnings, showing that the AI trade remains alive and well. The question now is whether the Lunar Eclipse that squared Uranus marked a blowoff top of sorts for this market-moving name.

European markets ended mixed on the week, with only the Zurich SMI finishing lower. The FTSE, Amsterdam AEX, and German DAX all closed up and near the highs of the week. The Asia and Oceania region fared a bit better, with the Shanghai Composite, Japanese Nikkei, and the Australian All-Ordinaries all notching solid gains.

Precious metals didn’t like Warsh’s hawkishness either, as they finished at the lows of the week. Treasuries fared poorly as well, although intermarket bullish divergence between T-Notes (10-year) and T-Bonds (30-year) remains in effect. Cryptos were flat on the week as they digested their impressive gains from the prior week. In the big picture, it appears that elevated Crude Oil prices continue to strain the macroeconomic environment. It finished lower on the week but well off the lows.

SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS

Just days after Virgo season started, a Lunar Eclipse unfolded in a T-square to Uranus. This upcoming week starts with Jupiter trine Saturn, an important aspect with respect to the synodic cycle that reset with the conjunction in Aquarius in December 2020.

The Jupiter–Saturn synodic cycle is otherwise known as the “Great Chronocrator.” This planetary pair is important not only because of the father-son mythological dynamic, but also because, for most of human history, they were considered the outermost planets and marked the limits of the natural world.

The trine kicks off a new central time band that’s going to be in effect until July 2027. Given that it’s taking place in fire signs, it could add an element of passion, excitement, and adventure to the mundane mix. Given that Saturn is in his detriment in Aries, one would think that Jupiter may be in a position to maintain an energetic advantage over his symbolic father. After all, Jupiter is in the regal sign of Leo—the sign of the king—and he is the king of the gods.

Jupiter in Leo may also prove to be beneficial for Gold throughout its transit, but let’s not forget that Leo is a fun-loving sign as well. If anything, humanity needs a reminder about the importance of having fun, and how beneficial it is. In terms of financial markets, look for consumer discretionary—people’s wants—to have a bit of a run throughout this transit. With Saturn in Aries, people may not fully gauge the consequences of their decisions, and prefer to live in the moment instead. They’ll eventually have to reconcile that when Saturn transits Taurus. But in the meantime, let the good times roll.

Mars will also square Saturn this week, so be on the lookout for new geopolitical developments. During the following week, Uranus goes retrograde on the same day that Mercury ingresses into Libra and Venus ingresses into Scorpio. Whenever Uranus changes direction, we look for breaks in technical support or resistance, but of particular consequence may be AI, software, or communications-oriented stocks this time around. It’s also worth noting that Venus’s transit through Libra satisfied the 20% or greater move study for Ethereum.

LONGER-TERM THOUGHTS (AND OPINION)

“Only in finance is “nobody can know” worn as a badge of wisdom. And only in finance is it used as an excuse to prepare for nothing… I work the way the sciences work: observe the data, respect the structures, form the hypothesis, state it in advance—and adjust it without ego if developments take another turn.”

 —Henrik Zeberg, on X: @HenrikZeberg.

Over the past few weeks, a major backlash has been mounting against artificial intelligence and data centers. It’s grown to the point that, here in the United States, politicians across the political spectrum have gone out of their way to condemn new data centers. There have even been promises to halt all new construction, most likely until the political dust settles after the midterm elections in November.

The backlash against data centers mainly stems from environmental concerns and rising electrical costs, but let’s be real – the material benefits of these data centers are being concentrated into the hands of the tech sector’s robber barons, and unless you’re already invested in this world-changing technology, there’s been little monetary benefit to be gained.

One of the key principles to understand when it comes to behavioral economics is how people respond to incentives. Never mind that artificial intelligence has the potential to dramatically improve humanity’s quality of life into the future—the main question people ask is, “How is this benefiting me *now*?”

As a millennial, I’ve witnessed America’s political dysfunction play out for pretty much my entire life. While Americans sit and debate whether AI is good or bad, right or wrong, just or unjust, the one country that is actually competing with us on this technology is barreling ahead regardless—and that country is China.

China is not halting its AI development and data center construction while its citizens debate the latest talking points, or whether they like it or not. This statement isn’t meant to cast judgment on anyone or anything surrounding the matter; it’s just the truth. And when it comes to markets, capital always flows along the path of least perceived resistance.

China’s AI models have already made significant strides against U.S. models, and several are now far less expensive to run. For observers of the cosmos, markets, and history, one might see how the U.S. could finally be reaching an inflection point with this technology and its status as the world’s economic kingmaker.

The geocosmic backdrop is very straightforward. Uranus is trine Pluto in air signs, Gemini and Aquarius. Intelligence and data have become commodified. If one considers China’s natal chart for October 1, 1949 in Beijing (using 3:15 PM BJT time), Uranus and Pluto form a powerful Grand Trine configuration with China’s natal Sun, Moon, and Ascendant.

Here’s the thing America needs to understand—AI is going to move forward with or without our consent. The United States does not have a unique right to be the center of the global economy and technological innovation, and it’s clear that this status has been increasingly taken for granted over the years. And despite the endless complaints, many Americans fail to realize how much their standard of living is subsidized by the rest of the world via the reserve currency status, which is a direct extension of the country’s economic innovation and prowess.

One of our major forecasts here at MMA is the gradual migration of economic and financial power to the East. This isn’t going to happen overnight, next week, or even next quarter, but it’s becoming more evident how this transformation will play out.

To borrow a quote from one of the defining figures of the last time Neptune was in Aries, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Abraham Lincoln used these words during his 1858 election campaign, though the quote actually has biblical origins.

To be clear, I’m not saying the debate over data centers will contribute to a future civil war, and I have serious doubts that one would even occur, but this is yet another microcosm of the growing issues the Western world faces in the years to come.

Remember, people respond to incentives. The tech robber barons that AI has exalted have not lived up to their noblesse oblige. The solution may be as simple as royalty checks for citizens in localities where data centers are built, similar to oil and gas mineral rights, tax breaks, or even environmental guarantees.

In theory, this should be resolved through the results of the midterm elections, but if recent history serves as a guide, should we hold our collective breath? And more importantly, do we really think that “Global Capital” is going to wait around for Americans to stop arguing over AI before pivoting toward financing China’s AI boom?

Capital behaves like matter. It is never destroyed; it simply changes form and migrates from one country, sector, or asset class to another. Keep in mind the Chinese equity indices haven’t even taken out their all-time highs since 2008, and if what we’ve seen in Japan or South Korea is any indication, China may be the next destination for the AI boom.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 NOTE 1: THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF THE NEW MMA MONTHLY CRYPTO REPORT WILL BE RELEASED THIS WEEK, ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2!! Each report features a cyclical and macro overview by Gianni Di Poce on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and Cardano. Pouyan Zolfagharnia then provides a geocosmic overview and explains how it ties into the cycles. Together, they share strategies for both position and shorter-term trading in cryptocurrencies. This will be a very timely report, given that BTC is in the time band for a major cycle crest, with the 4-year cycle still looming ahead this year. CLICK HERE to subscribe to this new report. Last month’s report caught the big upward move that was started by Cardano.

 NOTE 2: IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! THE “ANNUAL MMA FORECAST 2027 PRE-PUBLICATION SALE” IS UNDERWAY!!! The sale runs through October 31 and features our once-a-year discounts on both the annual Forecast book and MMA subscription reports.~

During this pre-order period, the Forecast 2027 print edition by authors and analysts Ray Merriman and Pouyan Zolfagharnia, with additional market analysis by Gianni Di Poce, Wyatt Fellows, and Ulric Aspegrén, will be available at the discounted price of $55, and the eBook version will be available for $45. The best deal on MMA subscription reports is also offered at this time! Save 10% on any subscription of $275 or more with the purchase of Forecast 2027. After the pre-order event ends, the retail price of the Forecast 2027 print edition will increase to $66, and the price of the eBook will increase to $55. Subscription reports will also return to their regular prices. Order now and save big bucks!

MMA will also offer a special bundle discount for those who wish to order both the eBook and print editions of Forecast 2027 for $75. The eBook typically becomes available one to two weeks before the print edition and avoids delays caused by the postal system — especially for those living overseas. However, many readers prefer the print edition, so ordering both through the Forecast 2027 Bundle makes sense. You will receive the Forecast 2027 eBook on December 15, and your print copy will be mailed in mid-December.

MMA’s annual Forecast book is an astrology-themed almanac that has served students of cycles and markets since 1976. It provides a cyclical outlook on collective world psychology, the national economy, geopolitical developments, sociocultural trends, and potential weather events and natural disasters — as well as financial market projections for the U.S. stock market, U.S. Treasury market, interest rates, Gold and Silver, currencies (the Euro, British Pound, Swiss Franc, and Japanese Yen), Bitcoin, Crude Oil, and Grain markets. For a more personal overview of the Forecast 2027 book, see the recent video featuring Ray and Pouyan in an interview with Alie Schneider on MMA’s YouTube channel by clicking here.

The book’s extraordinary market timing forecasts and insights are based on the historical correlation between market cycles and geocosmic planetary cycles. Additionally, it includes three-star critical reversal dates for each market throughout the year — dates that have demonstrated over 80% accuracy in identifying trading cycle highs and lows within an orb of three trading days. The book is approximately 200 pages (last year’s was 240 pages), measures 8.5″ x 11″, is perfect-bound with a glossy cover, and has set the standard for all astrological almanacs written today.

NOTE 3: RECORDINGS ARE NOW AVAILABLE OF THE “SPECIAL MMA OPTIONS WEBINAR” WITH DEREK PANAIA AND WYATT FELLOWS, HOSTED BY RAYMOND MERRIMAN, WHICH TOOK PLACE LAST SUNDAY, AUGUST 23. Seven (not five) markets were covered: the S&P, Gold, Crude Oil, T-Notes, Bitcoin, Soybeans, and Wheat. The grains are already breaking out in accordance with the strategies given in that webinar. Other trades were already underway or are setting up in Gold, stock indices, Bitcoin, and T-Notes. The webinar and strategies are still very relevant and valuable.

To order a recording of the August 23 MMA Options Webinar, click here. To subscribe to the MMA Daily Options Report with Derek and Ray and also receive the August 23 webinar for free, click here.

Note: Keep in mind that options trading is speculative. This webinar and the subscription service are designed for speculators who have a basic understanding of options. For those who do not, MMA offers a recording of Derek’s webinar on the principles of options trading, available on its website.

 NOTE 4: THE BOOKS ARRIVED AND ARE NOW BEING SENT OUT!!! RAY MERRIMAN’S NEW BOOK, JUPITER AND SATURN TRANSITS: MASTERING THE CYCLES OF LIFE, IS HERE! This is Book One, the first of five books that will be written over the next four years on the outer planets as they transit the natal chart. Nothing like this has ever been done before in the history of astrology. This first book, covering the transits of Jupiter and Saturn, is 420 pages long and includes all the major transits of Jupiter to one’s natal planets and angles, including interpretations of the opening and closing sextile, square, and trine aspects. The Saturn section also includes interpretations of the opening and closing semi-square and sesquiquadrate transits to all natal planets and angles, plus the “Business Cycle” of transiting Saturn through the natal chart. Each transiting aspect is also ranked on a scale of –3 to +3 in terms of its trading and investment potential, which alone is worth the price of the book.

Ray Merriman surprises us with a new book on transits. In doing so, he follows an evolutionary and cyclical approach. According to this concept, there is an important distinction regarding major aspects between transiting and natal planets, between the first, waxing square, which forms after the conjunction of two planets as they begin their cycle of development, and the final, waning square, which occurs in the middle of the second half of their cycle. In most books about transits, this distinction between waxing and waning aspects is not made, and as a result much of the meaning of certain aspects is lost. Ray Merriman’s developmental perspective is therefore a valuable improvement compared to the approach of traditional books on transits.

The book covers the delineation of planetary aspects of two of the most important traditional planets: the classical supportive and encouraging Jupiter aspects on the one hand, and the restrictive but also stabilizing Saturn aspects on the other. The descriptions of transits by an experienced and renowned astrologer are, together with his recommendations, of immense value. Going beyond the symbolic meaning of planetary combinations, Ray Merriman draws on his rich experience with planetary transits to provide the reader with practical interpretations and useful recommendations, with the aim of helping them deal appropriately with the various transits of Jupiter and Saturn. To these, he adds advice for investors and traders in order to enable them to make the most of specific constellations. A highly recommended and easily understandable book about transits for modern readers interested in the way astrology works in daily life. The depth of the interpretations provided should also serve as a source of inspiration for professional astrologers.

— Claude Weiss, owner of Astrodata, Zurich, Switzerland, author of several books on astrology, and one of the world’s top mundane astrologers.

To learn more about this new book, tune in to Ray’s recent podcast interview with Adam Sommer (click here) or his YouTube video interview with Thomas Miller (click here).

To see the rave reviews by several leading professional astrologers, click here. The list price is $39.99. However, those who order before September 15 (the cutoff date has been extended by one month) will receive the special pre-publication price of $33.00 (plus postage for the print edition; the eBook requires no postage). To order at the pre-publication price, click here.

NOTE 5: THE MMA SOLAR-LUNAR APP OFFERS REVERSAL SIGNALS FOR THE DJIA, NASDAQ, GOLD, AND SILVER. It is an ideal tool to have in your back pocket if you are a short-term swing trader looking for high-probability dates that identify isolated lows and highs in these markets. Please note that this should not be used as a standalone system. It works best as an adjunct tool when cycle lows or highs are due, when a market is in a technically overbought or oversold condition, or when it is exhibiting bullish or bearish intermarket divergence relative to a related market. The app is currently available only on Apple devices (iPhone and iPad). HOWEVER, IT WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE BY SUBSCRIPTION ON THE NEW MMA WEBSITE TO EVERYONE, INCLUDING USERS OF ANDROID PHONES! To learn more about the MMA app, click here. To download it to your iPhone, go to the Apple App Store and search for Merriman Solar/Lunar Reversals.

 NOTE 6: THE JUPITER REPORT: YOUR MOMENTS OF OPPORTUNITY! The Jupiter Report is written by Raymond Merriman. It is a 30- to 40-page report that all traders (and even non-traders) will find highly valuable. It identifies the times during the year when Jupiter transits are highlighted in your natal chart and explains the meaning of Jupiter’s transits to your natal planets and angles over a 14-month period (including one month before your order date and one month after the year ends). As an added bonus, each transit is ranked on a scale from –3 to +3 in terms of favorability for trading. Traders may find this especially valuable! Would you like to know if you are under a +3 transit and therefore most likely to experience trading success? Or a –3 transit, with a stronger-than-usual potential for misjudgments that can be costly? The price for a personal 14-month Jupiter Report based on your birth data is $69.

NOTE 7: The MMA Weekly YouTube show, “Geocosmic Week in Review and Look Ahead,” with Gianni Di Poce, is conducted on Wednesday evenings! Each 5- to 20-minute FREE episode reviews the previous week’s market activity and the geocosmic signatures that will be in effect for the coming week and beyond.

NOTE 8: MMA’S FREE WEEKLY COLUMN PODCAST IS AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY, APPLE, and AMAZON MUSIC! Now you can listen to a podcast of this weekly column by Thomas Miller on Saturdays! Thomas has an excellent voice and brings the weekly column to life in a personable and, at times, humorous fashion. Just follow Merriman Market Analyst on Spotify or Apple to listen to all our episodes. A new podcast episode will be released every weekend. This is a FREE service and is available to everyone. Check out our podcasts on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music. It makes for great listening!

 EVENTS

 SEPTEMBER 3, 2026: THIS WEEK!!! A UAC PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP ON FINANCIAL MARKET TIMING BY RAYMOND MERRIMAN, 1:00–5:00 PM. This workshop will take place at the United Astrology Congress (UAC), the largest astrological conference in the world, which is held every four to eight years. More than 150 world-class astrologers will be presenting, and over 1500 attendees will be on-site. The conference will be held at the Marriott Downtown Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel. In this workshop, Ray will cover how to use cycles to identify high-probability time bands for financial and commodity markets, such as the U.S. stock market, Gold, Silver, and Bitcoin. He will then explain how to overlap these cycles with specific geocosmic signatures to enhance the timing of major trend reversals, both long-term for investors and short-term for traders, and why these studies provide that “extra edge” that all traders seek. If you want to see how financial astrology is one of the most valuable tools used by traders worldwide and learn how to apply it, this workshop offers a very affordable opportunity to learn! In addition to the workshop, Ray will present another lecture during the congress on mundane astrology, titled “What Is Happening in the World Today (and in the Future) from an Astrological Viewpoint,” on September 5. For more information, visit www.uacastrology.com.

 MAY 12–17, 2027: THE MMA INVESTMENT RETREAT IN LAKE BLED, SLOVENIA. Save the date and plan to attend! Yes, we are going back to beautiful Lake Bled one more time. If you have never seen this wonder of the world, this might be your last chance to experience it through an MMA retreat. Future MMA Investment Retreats are expected to alternate, beginning the following year, between the U.S. and Europe. More details and registration steps will be forthcoming by year-end, but plan to register early, as our room allotment has sold out in each of the past two years.

 Disclaimer and statement of purpose:

 The purpose of this column is not to forecast the future movement of various financial markets. However, that is the purpose of the MMA (Merriman Market Analyst) subscription services. This column is not a subscription service. It is a free service, except in those cases where a fee may be assessed to cover the cost of translating this column from English into a non-English language. This weekly report is written with the intent of educating the reader on the relationship between astrological factors and collective human activities as they occur. In this regard, this report will often cite what happened in various stock and financial markets throughout the world in the past week and discuss those movements in light of the geocosmic signatures that were in effect. It will then identify the geocosmic factors that will be in effect in the next week, month, or even years, and the author’s understanding of how these signatures may affect human activity in the times to come. The author (Merriman) will do this from the perspective of a cycle analyst looking at the military, political, economic, and financial markets of the world. It is possible that some forecasts will be made based on these factors. However, the primary goal is to both educate and alert the reader to the psychological climate we are in from an astrological perspective. The hope is that it will help the reader understand the psychological dynamics that underlie (or coincide with) news events and their potential effect on financial markets.

 No guarantee as to the accuracy of this report is being made here. Any decisions in financial markets are solely the responsibility of the reader, and neither the author nor the publishers of this column assume any responsibility whatsoever for anyone’s trading or investment decisions. Readers of this report should understand that commodity futures and options trading are considered high risk.