MMA FREE WEEKLY COLUMN FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

REVIEW by Guest Contributor Wyatt Fellows

NOTE: U.S. financial markets will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Reportedly, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent supported the yen to prevent Japanese investors exiting the Treasury market. Meanwhile, the central bank of the Netherlands could be seen exiting the New York Federal Reserve with as much gold as it could carry. The Dutch moving roughly 86 metric tonnes of gold from the U.S. and Canada to the UK and the Netherlands is highly unusual. The gold has not (net) been sold, and UK-held gold is still dollar-denominated. Nonetheless, trust is an important but vulnerable characteristic of a reserve currency.

— Paul Donovan, “Fun with foreign exchange,” UBS Daily Update, September 3, 2026.

The world’s financial system is a complex web of intertwined strings that don’t move in isolation. Pulling on one string stretches another, potentially breaking it if pulled hard enough. The U.S. dollar is the world’s reserve currency, but that status comes with certain responsibilities. When the U.S. pulls on too many strings (as it does now), it can have unintended, longer-term consequences.

Large amounts of gold leaving the U.S. do not occur often; in fact, there have been only a handful of such occurrences since the end of WWII and the establishment of Bretton Woods. However, we have now seen two countries move large quantities of gold out of the U.S. in the last 13 months. The first was France, which moved its remaining 129 tonnes to Europe between July 2025 and January 2026. Interestingly, France now holds no gold at the NY Fed for the first time in almost a century. The second is the 86 tonnes that was just moved out by the Dutch over the last month. Moving that much gold is a deliberate policy choice and could signal a shift in trust toward U.S. custodianship. The real tell will be whether this trend continues in the months to come.

Turning to the markets, the jobs report released Friday morning was a blowout. The headline number showed a gain of 162,000, versus expectations of 56,000. This was the strongest monthly print since March and well above the 12-month average of +31,000. Things got even better with the July revisions swinging from a loss of 23,000 to a gain of 21,000. One would have thought that the equity markets would have celebrated such growth, but instead, U.S. markets settled the week mostly unchanged to slightly lower. Might the increase in probabilities of a Fed rate hike following the release of the jobs number have something to do with it? It was much the same for European and Asian markets, with most finishing the week unchanged to moderately lower.

Crude Oil was the big winner in commodity markets, showing an impressive 10.5% gain from Monday’s low, following a gap-up on the open to Thursday’s high in the October futures contract. This likely signals that a new primary cycle is underway from the July 2 low, and the chart is starting to look bullish. The only other commodity market to post a bigger weekly gain (from low to high) than Crude Oil was Orange Juice, which tacked on almost 16% from early-week lows. Perhaps the market is realizing that with school back in session, kids like a shot of OJ with their morning Cheerios! Personally, I take mine with pulp included (hey, don’t knock it before you try it). In the agricultural space, the torrid rally in the grain markets continued, with Corn, Soybeans, and Wheat hitting multi-year highs. These markets are getting extended, so a much-needed rest could be in the offing. More on the grains in the longer-term outlook section below.

Precious metals started the week on the defensive, falling sharply into early Wednesday before mounting an impressive rally. This was in line with expectations, as we were looking for a half-primary cycle low in Gold to form this week. Wednesday’s low could have been it, and if it holds, Gold now needs to rally above 4755 to keep the bullish trend intact. Doing so will also be strong confirmation that Gold’s intermediate-term cycles have bottomed.

In crypto-land, Bitcoin shot up to another new weekly high but remains stubbornly below its May 6 crest. The market needs to exceed this important technical resistance to fully unleash the bulls. Interestingly, Ethereum failed to make a new weekly high this week, setting up a small case of bearish intermarket divergence. This may resolve next week, but if not, it could signal a larger pullback is starting.

In currencies, the hot action continues to be in the yen (one of those intertwined strings mentioned earlier). With interventions, carry trade risks, and a Bank of Japan (BOJ) rate decision looming in a few weeks, this currency will continue to be subject to potentially large price swings. I think the Dollar/Yen chart is key to understanding a big part of the global financial picture moving forward. Interestingly, the Dollar/Yen fell right to support (around 155.20) this week and held at the early August intervention lows. A break below this level would certainly be an interesting development with repercussions for many markets.

SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS

 Uranus turns retrograde next week and highlights the TUMDI (Trump Uranus Market Disruption Indicator) period that is now in effect through about September 15. So far, this indicator has provided renewed tariff escalation with Canada, an “economic D-Day” for Iran (again, the strings), “Kharg Island being blown to smithereens!!!” (AI video posted by Trump), and renewed attacks by Iran on U.S. bases. While equity markets have taken these disruptions in stride, energy markets have violently priced in additional risk. Traders would be wise to keep their heads on a swivel these next two weeks, as you just never know which market Trump might come after next!

As if TUMDI wasn’t enough, there will be pivotal actions and decisions over the next two weeks that could swing markets violently higher or lower. Starting on September 9, the U.S. Treasury will increase the size of liquidity-support buybacks of longer-dated bonds. On September 15, the Senate votes on whether to move key crypto legislation forward. The Fed rate decision is due on September 16, while the Bank of Japan meets September 17–18. I have no idea how markets will react to these events, but with Uranus changing direction on September 10 and money planet Venus squaring the debt planet of Pluto on September 15, I can tell you it won’t be boring!

LONGER-TERM THOUGHTS

 In a weekly column I wrote in December of last year, I discussed my findings that throughout history Saturn–Neptune conjunctions and oppositions have often correlated with sharply higher grain prices throughout history. That column went on to state, “The next Saturn–Neptune conjunction takes place in February 2026. While it only transpires as a single pass this time around, it should be noted that the two planets will come within a degree of exactness in June–August 2025. What’s also interesting about this coming conjunction is that it takes place with both planets positioned at 1° of fiery Aries. Does this fact add to the possibility of another drought developing over a major grain hub of the world? Or does this mean the supply of Wheat (food) could be impacted in some other way, perhaps by an escalation of war, or a perceived threat to food security?”

Fast forward to today, and this now looks to have been a very astute line of reasoning. War did indeed escalate with the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. One major consequence for crop production from this confrontation is the reduced ability to produce and export nitrogen-based fertilizers originating from this part of the world. However, it is the escalation of the Russia–Ukraine conflict that is currently providing a more sustained bid for Corn and Wheat. The two sides have now started targeting grain export infrastructure and even ships carrying Corn and Wheatcc. As for weather, Europe has experienced an exceptional drought this growing season that could lead to the smallest Corn harvest in nearly two decades for that continent! This may not be the end of the drought story either. With a super El Niño in full effect, Brazil’s soon-to-be-planted Soybean crop is up next and looks like it could be right in the crosshairs.

From last year’s lows, Wheat is up 61%, Corn is up 49%, and Soybeans are up 38%. While these are impressive gains, further upside in this emerging bull market looks highly probable. This is especially the case as we are only seven months removed from February’s Saturn–Neptune conjunction, and Ceres will be transiting the sign of Cancer until May 2027. While the trend is undoubtedly higher in the grain markets, corrections will happen. We attempt to navigate these pullbacks and identify new opportunities in Corn, Soybeans, and Wheat in the MMA Monthly Grain report. If you’re interested in gaining some exposure to the ag space, check it out.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 NOTE 1: THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF THE NEW MMA MONTHLY CRYPTO REPORT WAS RELEASED 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. The September 2 report was very timely, 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 began with Cardano. ~260907

 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. To pre-order the Forecast 2027 Book at the special rate, click here.

NOTE 3: THE BOOKS ARRIVED AND THE FIRST BATCH HAS BEEN 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 4: 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 5: 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 14 months (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 6: 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 7: 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

 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.