Bob is the created and owner of Trade Genius Academy. Bob also does a podcast on YouTube which is called Trade Genius. Bob begins the conversation talking  about how Germany appears to be in a recession, with its economy contracting by 0.3% in the second quarter amid slowed exports due to U.S. tariffs and rising unemployment above 3 million, while forecasts predict stagnation or zero growth for the year, marking a prolonged period of economic inactivity.

This downturn could potentially spread to other EU nations, as Germany's role as an economic anchor contributes to deteriorating Eurozone sentiment and slower projected growth of around 1.1% for the EU and 0.9% for the euro area, though analysts suggest the bloc may avoid a full recession despite trade uncertainties and fiscal tightening.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin has fallen about 1.9% in the past 24 hours to around $111,119, driven by a massive whale dump of 24,000 BTC, a $13.8 billion options expiry, Binance Futures going offline, and broader bearish technical indicators following its peak at $124,436 earlier in the month. Gold prices are also slightly down today, with spot prices at $3,410 per ounce (a 0.15% dip) amid a firmer dollar and anticipation of U.S. PCE inflation data, though the metal is on track for a monthly gain supported by expectations of Federal Reserve actions; potential longer-term declines could stem from cooling inflation, reduced geopolitical tensions, and lower investor demand. Market expectations are high for the Fed to cut interest rates in September, with odds at over 90% for a 25-basis-point reduction as signaled by Chair Powell and Governor Waller, amid sputtering job growth and a focus on labor market risks.

If the Fed proceeds with the cut, it could stimulate economic growth by lowering borrowing costs, encouraging business investment, hiring, and consumer spending, while easing pressures on mortgages and auto loans, though excessive cuts risk reigniting inflation and eroding purchasing power. Conversely, if the Fed holds off, it might help contain inflation but could slow the economy further by maintaining high financing costs, potentially leading to reduced business expansion, higher unemployment, and subdued growth, with risks of market turmoil if perceived as too hawkish.