I'd lean toward trimming into high-quality, cash-generative mega-caps while maintaining a tactical energy hedge.
September historically brings elevated volatility due to seasonality and fund rebalancing, but the immediate catalyst is macro friction: Brent topping $91 on Middle East tensions feeds straight into inflation fears, pushing up Treasury yields and raising hawkish rate expectations.
Mega-cap tech and quality cash-flow names offer strong balance sheet protection against yield surges, while energy names provide a natural tail-risk hedge against further geopolitical spikes. Rather than going all-in on energy, barbell positioning feels safest ahead of payrolls.
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