Weekly column: The Saturn-Neptune conjunction and its global impact

Review

U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick suggested U.S. rates should be cut now, and Federal Reserve Chair Powell should resign or be fired. Do investors want to live in a world where Fed independence is compromised and Lutnick influences policy? To judge from the dollar’s reaction, the answer is “no.”

— Paul Donovan, “Can the Fed Be Saved?” UBS Morning Audio Comment, July 24, 2025.

Under the heavy shadow of the Saturn-Neptune conjunction, which will go exact in February 2026, we are getting a prelude to the key themes that are likely to be at play. As highlighted in the annual Forecast Books over the past few years, Ray was calling for a threat to the independence of the Federal Reserve. Since the two planets are under a degree apart this summer, we are feeling the impact of their influence. As the president persists in trying to force a rate reduction, the only asset that appears to be feeling the pressure so far is the US Dollar. This could be the calm before the storm as we head into an important week, with numerous central banks announcing interest rate changes, and most importantly, the August 1 deadline for reciprocal tariffs.

The impact of the Saturn-Neptune conjunction is weighing heavily on the micro and macro levels. With feelings of disorientation, disillusionment, anxiety, and fear growing at the individual level, it is no wonder that global affairs and financial markets are also in disarray. The astrology suggests that the intensity of these underlying energies will only intensify over the next two weeks, as Mars triggers the Saturn-Neptune conjunction, by opposition between August 6-9, during the period of Mercury retrograde.

Another facet of the Saturn-Neptune conjunction is the risk of extreme weather patterns, which can result in simultaneous droughts and flash flooding. Both planets are associated with powerful low-pressure weather systems, and having them placed over the world axis magnifies their influence, along with the fact that Jupiter (the planet of monsoon-style rainfall) is in the water sign of Cancer. Over the past month, flash floods have caused havoc in Central Texas, New Mexico, New York, South Korea, Thailand, Nepal, Ireland, and Pakistan. At the same time, droughts have been declared in the UK, Europe (Central/Eastern), Serbia (Western Balkans), India (Assam), and most significantly in Iran. The interesting point about Iran is that the Summer ingress chart also had the Saturn-Neptune on the MC of Tehran, just as the Twelve Day War was in full swing. It will be interesting to see how this aspect may disrupt the weather patterns affecting the grains market, which is currently consolidating around multi-year lows.

Ironically, sentiments remain strong with all major US indices up during the week. Over the past week, just as the earnings reports began to show signs of weakness due to higher tariffs, President Trump announced a trade deal with Japan, which gave a boost to the markets of both nations. Yet, the DJIA has still not been able to take out the high of December 2024, continuing the intermarket bearish divergence with the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ, which both managed to record new All-Time-Highs (ATH) on Friday. Yet just as our realities and perception of the world and macroeconomics are getting tugged and stretched under the Saturn-Neptune aspect, there is a risk that the cycle counts may also be prone to distortion. Sooner or later, in the equity markets, we are due for a correction, marking the primary cycle trough.

We are seeing bearish intermarket divergence in Europe too, with the UK’s FTSE (which now has a trade deal) and German DAX also forming new ATH, whilst the Euro Stoxx 50 and Swiss SMI have failed to take out the high of March. This spells trouble for the DAX as Europe has failed to reach a deal so far.

In Asia, the Nikkei was the star of the week, rallying over 6% and just short of last summer’s ATH, following the announcement of the trade deal with the US. The Chinese markets also fared well, continuing their rallies to multi-year highs in the Hang Seng and the Hong Kong 50. Australia was not able to take out last week’s ATH, and India’s Nifty continues to underperform as it fails to take out the ATH of September 2024. Markets in the Americas are not doing as well, with both Brazil’s Bovespa index and Argentina’s Merval continuing within a bearish pattern.

Commodities generally do well with a weakening Dollar; however, the precious metals are also late in their respective primary cycles. They are also showing signs of bearish intermarket divergence, with Silver recording a new multi-year high of 3991 on Wednesday, whilst Gold only tested the descending trendline connecting its prior highs and has failed to take out the ATH of 3509.90 on April 21. Both Silver and Copper are showing strong signs that their respective primary cycle crests may be in, as indicated by the bearish oscillator divergence present in the CCI. Crude Oil has remained relatively quiet given the lack of geopolitical activity; however, this can suddenly change, especially with the presence of the tense aspects discussed over the next two weeks. Cryptocurrencies have experienced a minor pullback this week, following the spectacular rally seen over the past two weeks, particularly in Ethereum and the altcoin markets.

Short-term geocosmics

President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are scheduled to meet Sunday during the U.S. president’s visit to Scotland, raising hopes that the U.S. and Europe are close to a trade deal that would avoid a trans-Atlantic trade war.

— Max Colchester and Kim Mackrael, “Hopes Rise for U.S.–Europe Trade Deal as Trump Visits Scotland,” Wall Street Journal, July 25, 2025.

There is still hope for a deal, although I wouldn’t sign one under Mercury Retrograde. With the New Moon in opposition to Pluto, this signature could mark the trigger for new beginnings, powerful transformations, and change. Yet, it’s happening in the fixed signs of Leo and Aquarius, which could either result in long-lasting cooperation or destructive stubbornness. With Uranus (the planet of disruptions) now in Gemini (the sign for trade), I would lean towards the latter outcome. Either way, even with a deal, all trading partners are being hit with high tariffs, regardless of how they frame it. Sooner or later, despite the rhetoric coming from the Trump administration, the impact of these tariffs will inevitably be felt. History has shown that the heavy cost of trade wars is most often ultimately borne on the shoulders of the consumers of the “free world”. It doesn’t feel free or liberating under the heavy and manipulative influence of Saturn-Neptune.

Looking ahead, the Venus waxing square to Saturn and Neptune on August 1 may mark a turning point in key markets, signaling potential reversals in what may prove to be an eventful week. With volatility likely to rise in the coming fortnight, I’ll be watching closely. Until then, stay well—and may the stars (and markets) align in your favor.