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Comments For The week Beginning December 10, 2007

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This week’s a report is being issued before U.S. markets close, due to travel plans.

Most world stock markets continued their powerful rally following our last critical reversal zone of November 24, +/- 3 trading days. This corresponded with Uranus changing directions, and within 2 days or less, most of these markets made their new cycle lows, and have rallied substantially in the past 7-10 trading sessions. In the Pacific Rim, for example, the Japanese Nikkei market has now rallied nearly 10%. After making a new yearly low of November 22 at 14,669, it traded as high as 16,107 on Friday, December 7. During this same two week-period, the Hang Seng of Hong Kong rallied from 25,861 to a high of 29,962, for a gain of nearly 16%. India’s Nifty soared from a low of 5394 on November 22 to a high of 6042 on December 7, for a gain of nearly 12%. Australia’s All Ordinaries index also rallied from a low of 6373 on November 22 to a high of 6727 on Friday of this past week. Similar strong gains were noted during this period of time in European and U.S. markets, which are still trading as this is being written. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, for instance, bottomed at 12,724 on November 27, and by early Friday (8 trading days later) was up nearly 1000 points to 13,650.

Short-Term Geocosmics

We are now in the middle of another potentially powerful geocosmic reversal zone. On Friday, December 7, the Sun formed a waning square Uranus. On Tuesday, December 11, Jupiter will make its 13-year conjunction to Pluto. As stated in last week’s column, “Jupiter and Pluto come together only every 13 years, and together they can coincide with a sense of urgency, even hysteria due to the nature of Jupiter (it exaggerates whatever it contacts). In this case, it contacts Pluto, ruler of debt and fear of the worst. The sub-prime mortgage tragedy is a perfect example of today’s Jupiter-Pluto crisis…. to read all the solicitations by the financial expects, you would think that this crisis will never end. The aspect soon comes to an end, and just as it has in the past, such crises will come to an end too.” In the past week, we have already begun to see the government forge a plan to deal with this crisis.

Also starting this week, heliocentric Mercury (not geocentric) will starts its ingress of Sagittarius, December 8-19. Typically, at least the first 4-9 days of this ingress correspond with sharp moves in many markets, including precious metals. My observation is that about 65% of the time metals will be higher, 20% of the time sharply lower, and 15% of the time, just back and forth. It will be interesting to see what happens this time, for it is occurring during a Mars retrograde.

But perhaps even more important than the signatures of this week will be the period of December 18-31 when transiting Jupiter, the Sun, and the Mars retrograde will ingress over the 0 Capricorn and 0 Cancer points. In the process, they will conjoin the Sun and Pluto opposition at 0-1 degrees of Capricorn-Cancer in the Federal Reserve Board chart (founded December 23, 1913). Theoretically, this will correspond to important movements in the interest-related markets, like Treasuries and currency rates. For more on this, see below.

Longer-Term Thoughts

Last week’s column stated the following: “But one thing to keep in mind: the market community is looking for the Federal Reserve to make another interest rate cut. I agree with this outlook, for after all, as Jupiter moves into Capricorn in mid-December, it will oppose the FRB Pluto and conjunct its natal Sun. This is a signature of accommodation, or lowering rates. We should have this gift in time for the holiday season. And so as long as that belief is out there, there is no reason for the stock market to go back down to the levels seen a week ago.” That statement has proved correct as the stock markets continued their torrid advance, following the November 24th episode of Uranus turning stationary direct. Stock indices around the world bottomed within 2 days before to two days after Uranus changed direction, as suggested And a FRB easing policy – lowering of interest rates - is something that shows up in the Treasury prices. As Treasury prices go up, interest rates come down, and vice-versa.

The history of the only two times that this event has occurred since the first trade of the U.S. Treasury Bond market supports this astrological interpretation. The first occurrence of transiting Jupiter in conjunction to the FRB Sun-Pluto opposition took place January 19-24, 1984. On January 4, 15 days before the aspect occurred, T-Bonds made a significant low at 69/16 – its lowest level since August 1983. Between January 16 and February 2, T-Bonds topped out between 71/14-71/24, a new monthly high. It was the last high (low in interest rates) seen for quite awhile. By July 2, T-Bonds were near historic lows at 59/12. In other words, the FRB was accommodative, or at least not tightening, when Jupiter first went into Capricorn, as it conjoined the FRB Sun. This was reflected in the Treasury prices, which rallied during that period to important crests. But once it passed, Capricorn exerted its expected effect on T-Notes (and FED policy) as rates went up (or, as T-Bonds went down sharply).

The second and only other occurrence of the 12-year cycle of Jupiter in Capricorn was its last passage of January 3-8, 1996. Once again, 2-3 weeks prior to this transit, T-Bonds were making a trading cycle low of 117/29 on December 19, 1995. Once again, T-Bonds rallied sharply right into the Jupiter transit of the FRB Sun-Pluto opposition, topping out at 122/08, on January 4. Price didn’t break down immediately (they still traded as high as 121 on February 13). But they did top out January 4, and once they started falling, they did not stop until July 8 of 1996. By that time they were all the way down to 105/28. Lest one believes that FRB easing should only show in shorter-term maturities, the same pattern was reflected in the 2-year notes as well. So here too, Jupiter entering Capricorn corresponded with a crest. After that, rates went up and T-Bonds fell sharply for nearly 6 months.

Jupiter will conjoin the Sun-Pluto opposition December 19-23, 2007. Will a similar pattern happen again? Can the fact that the pattern was nearly identical in both prior cases, serve as useful trading or investment guide this time? Of course– as long as one knows how to use it as a guide. I would not bet against the street’s conventional wisdom that the FRB will lower interest rates this month. And if so, these studies suggest that this month may be the last chance to lock in these low rates of today for several months, for those thinking of re-financing.

Previously I have stated that it is not the purpose of this free weekly column to make such predictions. The purpose of this column is to educate the reader on the astrological environment coming up. In making market forecasts, I – like most of you – use several tools. Astrology is one of the factors, and the least understood of the tools I use. Hence this free weekly column. But my forecasts and recommendations are reserved for subscribers of my reports, and they are based upon at least three other tools (cycles, technicals, and chart structure, and even fundamentals). It is very seldom that you get all of these studies pointing in the same direction, but when you do, it has a high probability of unfolding, and therefore warrants a forecast and a recommendation. Some (very few) readers may sometimes lament that market analysis is much about “… if the market does this, then expect that,” instead of “the market will do this and that.” The fact is that over 70% of the time, these studies are not complementing each other, and it is simply a case of waiting for “this or that” to unfold to get them in synch. No analyst can control that, and certainly an astrologer cannot. No one can, and experienced traders know this. 70% of the time the market is in congestion or giving mixed signals, according to different tools an analyst uses. Sometimes an analyst’s recommendation to stand aside and be patient until the majority of studies are in place is the best recommendation he/she can give to a trader. In the case of T-Bonds and other treasuries, you may be getting such a set up by the end of this month, the kind that warrants a firm recommendation. And we will keep subscribers posted on that per our daily, weekly, and monthly subscription reports. But for this free column, understand that it generally analyzes only the astrological factor, and therefore readers should not view these thoughts as recommendations, but rather as educational discussions. It is not a case of “You get what you pay for,” because an education in Financial Astrology can be a very valuable adjunct to one’s trading methodology, especially in terms of identifying high potential “reversal” zones in any market. In fact, nothing is better for that purpose, in my sincere opinion, which is based upon my own personal experience.

By the way, I do not mind if readers send snippets of this free weekly report to their trader friends, as long as it is done in the spirit of good will and helpfulness, and proper credit is given.

 

Announcements


If you are an active short-term trader, you may be interested in our Weekly or even Daily Market reports with short-term trading recommendations. It is the only way I keep in touch with traders on a daily or even weekly basis, as I no longer offer personal consultations. These reports give in-depth analysis of the DJIA, S&P and NASDAQ futures, Euro currency (cash and futures), Swiss Franc, Dollar/Yen cash and Yen futures, T-Notes, Soybeans, Crude Oil, Gold and Silver. The daily reports cover all stock indices listed above, as well as futures in Euro, T-Notes, Soybeans, Gold and Silver. Subscription to the daily report also includes the weekly report. For more information, go to http://www.mmacycles.com/services, or call our offices at 1-248-626-3034. In the words of one of our subscribers: “I recently subscribed to your weekly report and am finding it to be excellent and a very useful companion to the MMA Cycles Report.  I can't imagine now managing my investments without them.”

CD’s DVD’s, MP3’s, and “On-Line Streaming Video” of the July 11 webcast are now available!!! Each of these various ways to see the event can now be ordered via our website at www.mmacycles.com (just click the opening banner), or by calling 1-248-3034 or email operations at ordersmma@msn.com. The cost of each is $45.00, plus postage if necessary. This webcast covered our outlook for stocks, precious metals, interest rates and Treasuries, foreign currencies vis-à-vis the U.S. Dollar, and Grains. We pick this time because it is right before the astrological midpoint of the Cardinal Climax, which takes place late July through early August. It may be the peak of the huge trend reversals expected in many of these markets, aided and abetted by major changes of trend in geopolitical matters. You won’t want to miss this presentation. Order now, because most of the trading opportunities presented are in effect from July 21 through October 8, 2010!!!

Any remaining copies of the Forecast 2010 book will be available for $30.00 (plus postage), now as long as supplies last. This year’s book was an incredible publication, as almost everything forecasted in it has come out as described. All the themes outlined, and almost all the financial markets are unfolding as indicated with one exception: there has (as of yet) been no sign of excessive speculation in stocks or precious metals. Instead, frightened investors are flocking to U.S. Treasuries. Everything else, however, has been spot on, and there is still time for this to happen in stocks and precious metals into mid-2011. We now offer a complimentary copy of this year’s book to any new or renewing subscriber of a one-year subscription to the MMA Cycles Report, our new MMA European Cycles report, or any subscription to a MMA daily or weekly report, as long as books are still available. See special offer on the opening page of www.mmacycles.com.

The monthly MMA Cycles Report and its companions – the MMA Japan Cycles Report and MMA European Cycles Report – came out this week, Monday and Tuesday, via posting on our web site, and attachment via direct emails, for subscribers. W also sent an update to subscribers on Wednesday. If you subscribe to these reports and did not get them, let us know at once. This report covers our longer-term analysis of the U.S. stock market, precious metals, crude oil, currencies, Treasury Notes, and grain markets. The MMA Japan Cycles report covers the Nikkei, JGB Bonds, and the Dollar-Yen. The new MMA European Cycles Report covers the German DAX, Swiss SMI, and Netherlands AEX, each in English only. New yearly (or renewing) subscribers to these reports will receive a free copy of the Forecast 2010 book while supplies last (see below). For subscription information, please go to SERVICES at www.mmacycles.com.

I am oftentimes asked for recommendations of a money manager who uses my methods, since I won’t manage other people’s money. That is especially true now with the volatility in the market place as of late. The thing is, almost all money managers I know use their own systems. But many subscribe to my services and share my thoughts about the future of the economy, various financial markets, and how to position one’s portfolio along these lines. One money manager who subscribes to our services that I would suggest for those looking to structure a longer-term portfolio, such as a retirement account, is Duke O’Neill of Capstone Capital Wealth Management, Boulder, Colorado. He can be reached at dukeoneil1@gmail.com, or 1-(303) 247-0600. For those looking for a professional trader of commodity and futures contract might consider Ted Lee Fisher at ted.fisher@comcast.net. Ted is a legend in financial futures and has a seat on the CME. Both are very knowledgeable of the tools I use, of the way I am looking at markets, and yet each makes their own decisions as to exactly when to enter and exit any market.

September 23-26, 2010: Buenos Aires! Seminar on Financial and Mundane Astrology with Raymond Merriman and others, with special emphasis on Argentina’s Merval Index and precious metals and whatever else is of interest to participants, for each Financial Astrology workshop is different. For more information, contact Claudia Rizzi at astrologycr@gmail.com, or visit our web site at www.mmacycles-spanish.com. If you only speak Spanish, go to www.astrologiamundana2010.blogspot.com. We may host a special gathering of MMA Subscribers at the end of the seminar, depending on interest expressed.

October 1-2, 2010: Rio de Janeiro! Workshop on Financial Astrology with Raymond Merriman, plus a Mundane Astrology panel with Merriman and others. The workshop will have with special emphasis on Brazil’s Bovespa Index and precious metals, and whatever else is of interest to participants. For more information, contact Renato Chebar at astrologiafinanceira@gmail.com. We will host a special gathering for MMA Subscribers on Sunday, October 3, the day of Brazil’s elections!!!

January 5, 2011: Forecast 2011! Speech and live webcast from Birmingham, MI. Details to be announced soon.

January 14-16, 2011, Zurich, Switzerland. “Forecasts 2011” symposia featuring top mundane and financial astrologers, plus one day workshop on Financial Market Timing with Ray Merriman, to be followed by a special meeting with MMA Subscribers (at no cost). For more details, go to www.astrodata.ch.

March 10-12, 2011: Mexico City, Mexico. Speech on Forecasts 2011, and workshop on “Evolutionary Astrology: The Journey of the Soul Through States of Consciousness.” For information, please contact acuario888@gmail.com.

September 1-8, 2011: Bali! "Financial Astrology" Intensive workshop with Raymond Merriman, and "Mundane Astrology" with Claude Weiss. For more information on this unique week-long intensive and incredible South Pacific paradise adventure, go to http://www.heavenandearthworkshops.com/financial.html.

The MMA Catalogue of products and services for 2010 is available for download in PDF at http://www.mmacycles.com/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,161/Itemid,63/. The ordering page is the last page of the catalogue. This is especially useful for those outside of the USA, since we do not send these by snail mail unless requested.

Disclaimer and statement of purpose:

The purpose of this column is not to predict 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 to educate the reader on the relationship between astrological factors and collective human activities as they are happening. In this regard, this report will oftentimes report what happened in various stock and financial markets throughout the world in the past week, and discuss that movement 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, or even month, or even years, and the author’s understanding of how these signatures will likely affect human activity in the times to come. The author (Merriman) will do this from a perspective of a cycle’s analyst looking at the military, political, economic, and even 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 as to the psychological climate we are in, from an astrological perspective. The hope is that it will help the reader understand these psychological dynamics that underlie (or coincide with) the news events and hence financial markets of the day.

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 assume any responsibility at all for those individual decisions. Reader should understand that futures and options trading are considered high risk.

Copyright MMACycles 2007; you may link to this site or page, but you may not distribute these texts in any way (by email or otherwise).

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