Woolworths Group saw its underlying profit drop by 19% for the full year. This decline is largely due to cost-of-living pressures impacting spending in their Australian Food and BIG W divisions. For the year ending 29 June, net profit after tax was A$1.39 billion. This is down from A$1.71 billion last year, but it aligns with the expected A$1.38 billion.

Woolworths Profits Meet Expectations

Woolworths’ A$1.39 billion profit was expected, and the market had already factored in this 19% decrease. Because the results met forecasts, we expect the stock’s implied volatility to decline in the coming days. This “volatility crush” is an opportunity for those selling options instead of buying them. The main issue remains the cost-of-living pressure, which is limiting how much consumers spend. Recent data supports this, showing Australian retail sales grew by only 0.2% in the June 2025 quarter. This is the slowest growth since the post-pandemic recovery began in 2023, suggesting consumer-facing stocks like Woolworths are unlikely to see a big rally. Additionally, the Reserve Bank of Australia seems to be holding steady. The latest inflation rate from July 2025 was 3.8%, still above the target range. This means households likely won’t get interest rate relief in the coming months, keeping their budgets tight. We think this will limit real earnings growth for retailers through the end of the year. Given this situation, we recommend strategies that profit from the stock moving sideways or slightly lower. Selling out-of-the-money covered calls on existing stock could generate income while the share price remains stable. Another option is a bear call spread, which allows for profit from a slight decline or sideways movement with limited risk.

Market Strategy for Woolworths

We saw a similar trend in late 2023 when consumer confidence fell to multi-year lows. During that time, Woolworths and its competitors experienced flat stock prices for several months. Traders who sold premium during price increases were more successful than those hoping for a significant breakout or breakdown. The challenges facing Woolworths reflect the entire sector, as competitors are also noticing cautious spending habits. This supports our belief that a neutral, income-generating trading environment is more suitable. We are positioning ourselves for a market that rewards patience over aggressive strategies in the coming weeks. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Morgan Stanley has updated its predictions for the Federal Reserve, now expecting a rate cut in September, aligning with other analysts. They foresee additional cuts in December and 25 basis point reductions every quarter until 2026, aiming for a target rate of 2.75–3.0%. This marks a change from their previous outlook, which anticipated no adjustments until March 2026, followed by a more aggressive easing strategy. The new forecast supports the growing expectation of Federal Reserve easing, which could affect both the dollar and stocks.

Powell’s Comments from Jackson Hole

The change in perspective follows comments made by Powell at Jackson Hole. He emphasized risks in the labor market instead of earlier worries about persistent inflation and robust employment. Now, with a September rate cut considered very likely, we can expect significant changes in short-term interest rate futures. The CME’s FedWatch Tool indicates an over 85% chance of a 25-basis-point cut at the September 18th meeting, a sharp increase from just 40% a month ago. Traders might want to prepare for lower rates using instruments like SOFR futures as the market adjusts to this more cautious timeline. Anticipating lower borrowing costs provides favorable conditions for stocks, particularly in technology and growth sectors. We could consider buying call options on major indices like the S&P 500 or Nasdaq 100 to take advantage of this potential growth. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) has already fallen below 14, indicating increasing market confidence as it prices in a more stable economic outlook.

Currency Trading Strategies

The expectation of a weaker dollar should shape our currency trading strategies. With U.S. interest rates expected to decline sooner and more sharply than before, the dollar’s yield advantage is decreasing. This makes holding long positions in currencies such as the euro or the British pound against the dollar appealing, potentially through options on the EUR/USD or GBP/USD pairs. This outlook is further supported by recent economic data, giving the Fed justification for this shift. The July 2025 job report revealed a slowdown, with only 95,000 nonfarm payroll jobs added and the unemployment rate rising to 4.2%. Additionally, the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed inflation at 2.8%, staying below 3% for three consecutive months. In the fixed-income market, falling rates lead to rising bond prices. We expect Treasury yields to keep decreasing, making long positions in Treasury futures or call options on bond ETFs like TLT potentially profitable. This situation feels reminiscent of 2019 when the Fed transitioned from raising rates to cutting them, which helped raise both bond and stock prices. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The US dollar is slowly declining due to concerns about Trump’s attempt to fire Fed Governor Cook. This move raises questions about the Federal Reserve’s independence, which could lead to a bigger drop in the dollar soon. Fed Chair Powell has hinted that the central bank might cut rates again. This adds more pressure on the dollar, suggesting it could weaken further.

Europe Tariffs and Economic Impact

In other news, Trump is pushing for a 15-20% minimum tariff on EU goods, which has affected the EUR/USD exchange rate. UBS has raised alarms about potential inflation issues and a slowdown in growth due to concerns about the Fed’s independence. Market reports suggest a positive outlook for the euro and a downgrade for the yen. Private surveys show lower than expected oil inventories. Analysts predict that the Fed will cut rates two times before the year ends, which could impact gold and the stock market. Japan’s finance minister is worried about currency fluctuations. Former Fed Governor Brainard also noted risks of rising inflation and higher long-term rates due to Trump’s actions. We are witnessing a significant attack on the Federal Reserve’s independence, signaling a weaker US dollar ahead. The Dollar Index (DXY) has dropped below the important 100.50 support level for the first time since early 2025, showing that the market is adjusting its risk outlook for US assets.

Fed Policy and Market Reactions

The Fed is contributing to this situation with Chairman Powell indicating a shift toward easier monetary policy. Futures markets now see over an 85% chance of a rate cut in September, with major banks predicting two cuts by year-end. This shift reduces the dollar’s yield advantage compared to other major currencies. This situation is reminiscent of the 1970s when political pressure on the Fed led to high inflation and currency devaluation. There’s a fear that a politically influenced central bank won’t manage inflation well, which could result in higher borrowing costs and hinder growth. We need to closely monitor inflation data, particularly the upcoming CPI report, for signs of an increase. For FX traders, the consensus seems to be to go long on EUR/USD, with targets reaching 1.20 by the end of the fourth quarter. Still, caution is needed, as the proposed 15-20% tariffs on EU goods might create challenges for the euro even against a weakening dollar. This complicated situation makes trading euro pairs with other currencies like the yen a clearer strategy. The political turmoil is increasing market volatility, so we should adjust our positions accordingly. The CVIX, a key measure of currency volatility, has already risen by 15% this week, and options pricing indicates expectations for larger swings in the weeks to come. Buying straddles or strangles on major dollar pairs could be a way to navigate this uncertainty. Gold has reacted predictably, breaking above $2,450 per ounce as investors look for a safe haven amid political chaos and dollar depreciation. As long as the Fed appears to be politically influenced and on a path to cut rates, gold should remain a strong asset. We see it as a core holding for the current environment. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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**UBS Highlights Risks of a Compromised Federal Reserve** UBS is worried that a compromised Federal Reserve could lead to significant inflation, higher borrowing costs, and slower economic growth. Market participants are increasingly concerned as doubts about the Fed’s independence may lead to rising yields and more volatility. UBS described Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole as typical. He hinted at a possible rate cut in September to address trade tariff impacts but didn’t offer a solid medium-term economic plan. Although markets reacted positively to the idea of a rate cut, UBS noted that the speech mainly focused on data and included some extra rhetoric. The bank pointed out the lack of a strong defense for the Fed’s independence, especially with political risks like Trump potentially dismissing Governor Lisa Cook. UBS warns that a Fed influenced by politics could reignite inflation fears, potentially raising real borrowing costs by one percentage point. This could negatively impact fiscal policy, corporate investment, housing affordability, household savings, and speculative actions. Concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence are creating a tense market environment. Inflation could become a serious issue, as shown by the July 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI), which came in at 4.1%. This figure has raised alarm over ongoing price pressures and led to a sharp increase in expectations for future borrowing costs. **Inflation and Market Volatility** Given the current political and economic uncertainty, it’s wise to prepare for rising market turbulence. We see value in adopting long volatility positions, such as through VIX futures or call options, as the index has moved above 22. This strategy can act as a hedge against potential “inflation chaos” in the near future. We should also expect higher risk premiums in the bond market. The 10-year Treasury yield has already surpassed 4.75%—a level we haven’t seen since the inflation spike in 2023. Traders might look into put options on long-duration bond ETFs or consider paying fixed on interest rate swaps to protect against further increases in yields. Concern about slow economic growth suggests a more cautious approach to equities. While there has been talk of a “classic Powell” pivot in the past, current data makes that less likely. In fact, Fed funds futures are indicating less than a 20% chance of a rate cut next month—a significant change from two months ago—which could remove a crucial support for stock valuations. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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J.P. Morgan has changed its short-term forecast for the Japanese yen because of political uncertainty. They expect USD/JPY to be at 146 in the third quarter. By the year’s end, they predict it will fall to 142 and drop further to 139 by the second quarter of 2026. Among G10 currencies, the yen was the only one downgraded. J.P. Morgan kept its euro forecasts steady at 1.20 for EUR/USD in Q4 and at 1.22 for mid-2026. Influences may come from weaker U.S. data or shifts in Federal Reserve policy.

Strategists’ Recommendations

Strategists suggest taking a short position on the U.S. dollar compared to the euro, commodity currencies, and the yen as a safe strategy. They recommend being more invested in Scandinavian currencies against the euro due to favorable valuations, while highlighting concerns about sterling’s performance because of fiscal and growth challenges. They favor emerging-market currencies, especially those in the EMEA region. With political uncertainty in Japan and snap elections scheduled for October 2025, we expect the yen to remain weak in the upcoming weeks. The Bank of Japan confirmed this by keeping rates steady in its July 2025 meeting, widening the gap between its policies and those of other central banks. Traders may consider buying near-term USD/JPY call options aiming for the 146 level, as this outlook appears solid through the third quarter. Recent signs show a slowing U.S. economy, as July 2025’s jobs report revealed weaker hiring than expected, and inflation has dropped to 2.8%. This increases the chances of a Federal Reserve shift, making long euro positions more appealing. Thus, buying EUR/USD call options that expire in the fourth quarter, targeting the 1.20 level, seems wise.

US Dollar and Commodity Currencies

The general weakness of the U.S. dollar should support commodity currencies. Industrial metals and oil prices have stayed strong throughout 2025, making it wise to maintain short positions in the U.S. dollar against currencies like the Australian and Canadian dollars. Using futures or options can help manage risk while participating in the trend. Sterling continues to underperform due to ongoing domestic issues, including a reported economic contraction in the second quarter of 2025 and a growing budget deficit. These factors suggest further declines are likely. Traders might consider buying puts on GBP/USD or taking bearish positions in EUR/GBP. Relative to the euro, Scandinavian currencies appear undervalued, presenting chances for long positions in pairs like NOK/EUR. Emerging market currencies, especially in the EMEA region, are also gaining strength, boosted by favorable growth differences. Looking back at the Turkish lira’s volatility in 2023 and 2024, its current stability offers tactical opportunities for more adventurous investors. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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A recent private survey by the American Petroleum Institute (API) showed a smaller decline in headline crude oil than expected. Analysts thought there would be a drop of 1.9 million barrels. Instead, the decrease was not as significant as anticipated. Distillate inventories were expected to increase by 0.9 million barrels, while gasoline was predicted to drop by 2.2 million barrels. This information is important because it comes just before the official report from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), which is set to be released on Wednesday morning. The API survey collects information from oil storage facilities and companies, while the EIA’s report uses data from the Department of Energy and other government sources.

EIA And API Report Dynamics

The API report provides insights into changes in total crude oil storage compared to the previous week. However, the EIA report is viewed as more comprehensive and accurate. It includes data on refinery inputs and outputs, as well as storage levels for different grades of crude oil, such as light, medium, and heavy. The upcoming EIA data will likely give a clearer picture of the current oil market situation. The smaller-than-expected decline in crude oil inventories is a bearish signal for the market. This indicates that demand is weaker than predicted, putting downward pressure on WTI crude futures, which are around $82 per barrel. Traders should prepare for volatility, as this finding creates a cautious mood before the important official data release. It’s important to note that the initial API report often serves as a lead-in, and the market’s larger reactions will follow the official EIA data tomorrow. The differences between the API and EIA reports have been significant recently, leading to sharp price swings. For example, in May 2025, a bearish API report was succeeded by a bullish EIA number, resulting in a 2% price spike that surprised many traders. Given this uncertainty, one effective strategy is to buy options that benefit from significant price movements in either direction. The high implied volatility suggests the market is prepared for a big shift, so straddles or strangles on near-term crude oil options could be smart moves. This approach allows traders to take advantage of the EIA data reaction without guessing the direction ahead of time.

Market Seasonality and Global Factors

This inventory update comes as we approach the end of the peak US summer driving season. Last week’s EIA report confirmed that gasoline demand has dipped below 9.2 million barrels per day for the first time since June, indicating a seasonal slowdown. A smaller crude oil draw corresponds with this trend of decreasing consumer demand. On a global level, disappointing manufacturing PMI data from China raises concerns about demand from the world’s largest oil importer. This challenge, combined with a potentially oversupplied domestic market in the US, supports the idea of a near-term price correction. This situation might limit any significant price increases in the upcoming weeks. We should also keep an eye on the active hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico. A major storm could quickly disrupt production, pushing prices up despite bearish inventory data. This remains the most crucial risk for potential price increases in the near future. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The day in the U.S. began with July’s durable goods orders, which fell by 2.8%. This was not as steep as the expected 4.0% drop. When we exclude transportation, orders actually rose by 1.1%, well above the forecast of 0.2%. June’s figures were adjusted to a 0.3% increase. Nondefense capital goods, excluding aircraft, which is a key indicator of business investment, also rose by 1.1%, surpassing the predicted 0.2%. The June figures were revised to a decline of 0.6%. This shows stability in private-sector investment, which has seen fluctuating performance in recent months.

Consumer Confidence Trends

In August, consumer confidence reached 97.4, slightly above the forecast of 96.2 and close to July’s modified figure of 98.7. Responses were mixed; some people felt business conditions were improving, while others saw issues in the job market and expected smaller income increases. In the bond markets, the U.S. yield curve shifted: the 2-year yield dropped by 4.5 basis points, the 10-year yield fell by 1.6 basis points, and the 30-year yield increased by 2.2 basis points. This widened the spread between the 2-year and 30-year yields to 122 basis points. U.S. stocks ended positively, with the Dow up by 135.60 points (0.30%), the S&P rising by 26.62 points (0.41%), the Nasdaq increasing by 94.98 points (0.44%), and the Russell 2000 gaining 19.42 points (0.83%).

Investment and Consumer Outlook

The durable goods report for July 2025 paints a mixed picture. Although the overall number was poor, the 1.1% rise in core business investment, a reliable indicator of capital spending, points to healthy corporate performance. This suggests that despite broader worries, businesses are willing to invest, providing some stability for the economy. This increase in business investment stands in contrast to the consumer confidence data from August, indicating that households are increasingly anxious about job security and income. This difference suggests a potential split in the market, where industrial and tech sectors linked to capital spending might do better than consumer-focused stocks in the coming weeks. Consider favoring industrial sector investments over those related to consumer goods. A key factor in the upcoming weeks will be the political pressure on the Federal Reserve, creating significant policy uncertainty. This often leads to increased market volatility. The VIX index, which measures expected market volatility, spiked above 25 during past periods of political tension in late 2020. We might see a similar increase from its current level of 18. In the bond market, the yield curve is steepening. The gap between the 2-year and 30-year yields is at its widest since early 2022. This indicates that traders expect the Fed to cut rates soon but are still worried about long-term inflation, similar to the situation before the Fed’s easing cycle in 2007. This scenario makes curve-steepener trades appealing, as they benefit from short-term rates dropping faster than long-term rates. With Fed funds futures indicating an 84% probability of a rate cut at the next meeting, this move is largely anticipated and may already be priced into assets. The real opportunity lies in preparing for a surprise; any change from a 25-basis-point cut could lead to a strong market reaction. Utilizing options on SOFR futures offers a defined-risk approach to take advantage of this potential policy shock. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Trump is looking at ways to boost his influence over Federal Reserve banks. He wants to nominate someone to replace Lisa Cook on the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors. Two candidates being considered are Stephen Miran and David Malpass. However, Lisa Cook has stated that she will not resign, and Trump cannot fire her.

Federal Reserve Act Insight

A spokesperson for the Federal Reserve explained that under the Federal Reserve Act, a president can only remove a member “for cause.” Trump’s actions show that he is interested in changing the leadership of the Federal Reserve. The talk of political pressure on the Federal Reserve is causing uncertainty in the markets. We are seeing an increase in expected market volatility. The VIX index, which was around a low of 13 in July 2025, is now rising closer to 17. This suggests that investors should think about buying options for major indices or prepare for larger price movements in the coming weeks. The possibility of replacing Governor Cook with Stephen Miran or David Malpass indicates a shift toward a more relaxed policy approach. The Fed funds futures market has already reacted, now predicting a 50 basis point cut by the first quarter of 2026. This is a big change from the expectations of no change or an increase just two months ago. As a result, trades betting on lower short-term interest rates, like SOFR futures, are becoming more popular.

Impact on Financial Markets

The political pressure on the Fed’s independence is creating a credibility issue, which could weaken the U.S. dollar. This situation is similar to what happened in the late 2010s when perceived pressure from the White House led to dollar weakness. Currently, the Dollar Index (DXY) has dropped nearly 1.5% since this news emerged, suggesting that traders might want to use currency options to protect against or speculate on further declines. While the idea of rate cuts seems positive for short-term bonds, there are increasing concerns about inflation risks in the long term. The gap between 2-year and 10-year Treasury yields has widened by 12 basis points in the past week. Investors are asking for a higher return for holding long-term debt from a potentially influenced central bank. This situation opens up opportunities for yield curve steepening trades, using a mix of short-term and long-term interest rate futures to profit from the growing spread. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Major U.S. stock indices closed higher today, with the Russell 2000 leading the pack. Small-cap stocks gained 19.42 points (+0.83%), outperforming the NASDAQ, which rose by 94.90 points (+0.44%). The S&P 500 increased by 0.41%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 0.30%. In the S&P 500, the industrial sector saw the biggest rise at 1.04%, followed by financials, up 0.76%. Health care improved by 0.55%, with financials and energy rising by 0.53% and 0.42%, respectively. On the downside, consumer staples fell by -0.46%, and real estate services decreased by -0.33%.

Rotation Into Riskier Assets

There’s a noticeable shift towards riskier assets, especially with the Russell 2000 outperforming other indices. This suggests increasing confidence in the domestic economy, likely boosted by the latest Consumer Price Index report showing inflation has cooled to 2.8%. This environment makes bullish positions on the IWM ETF, which follows the Russell 2000, appealing through call options or put credit spreads. The strong performance of industrials and financials compared to defensive sectors like consumer staples signals a risk-on sentiment. The most recent ISM Manufacturing PMI data showed a reading of 51.5, indicating expansion, which supports investment in industrials. We should look at long call spreads on the XLI (Industrials ETF) and possibly bearish put spreads on the XLP (Consumer Staples ETF) to take advantage of this trend. With the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) around 14, options premiums are quite low, making this an ideal time to seek directional exposure. The current low volatility indicates the market does not foresee a major downturn soon. Selling out-of-the-money puts on the S&P 500 could be a smart strategy to earn premium while betting on ongoing stability.

Response To Jackson Hole Symposium

The recent strength in financials also reflects the outcomes from last week’s Jackson Hole symposium, where the Federal Reserve hinted at a pause on further interest rate hikes. This eases pressure on banks and lending institutions, making ETFs like the XLF prime candidates for bullish trades. The current market conditions are similar to the recovery seen in late 2023, where the rally extended beyond just technology stocks, a very encouraging sign. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The Australian Monthly CPI Indicator tracks price changes for a selection of goods and services. Unlike the detailed quarterly CPI report, it doesn’t provide a full picture. In July, as the first month of the June quarter, the focus is mainly on goods, which means it offers less insight than other months. August gives a better overview by including important service prices, which are better at showing trends in domestic inflation. Data for August will be released on 24 September, right before the RBA meeting on 29–30 September.

July Inflation Expectations

We expect July’s CPI data to rise from June, with a predicted increase of 2.3%. This figure is still within the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target band of 2-3%. We see the upcoming July CPI data as a minor event that may create some short-term market fluctuations. While the 2.3% estimate is well within the RBA’s target, any big changes could lead to quick reactions in the currency market. This is reminiscent of a surprise 4.0% figure in May 2024, which briefly boosted the Aussie dollar before traders recalibrated due to the data’s unpredictability. Our main interest is in the August inflation data, coming out on 24 September. This release is crucial because it reflects key service prices, providing a clearer view of domestic price pressures. This will heavily influence the RBA’s interest rate decision during their meeting on 29 September.

Interest Rate Implications

Historically, the RBA has kept the cash rate at 4.35% since late 2023, awaiting clear evidence that inflation concerns are over. Currently, the market anticipates only a small chance for a rate cut this year, especially after unemployment rose to 4.2% last month. A weak August CPI report could push rate cut expectations into late 2025, while a strong figure would likely mean rates stay higher for a longer period. Given this situation, we find it worthwhile to buy short-term options to trade around the September 24 data release. A simple AUD/USD straddle allows us to benefit from large price movements in either direction, without committing to whether the inflation data will be strong or weak. The added uncertainty leading up to the RBA meeting makes this strategy appealing. Another option is to trade interest rate futures to prepare for the upcoming RBA meeting. If we expect a weak August inflation report, we could buy 30-day Interbank Cash Rate Futures, betting that the RBA will take a more cautious stance. This offers a straightforward way to respond to changing estimates for monetary policy in the coming month. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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