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Comments For The week Beginning December 17, 2007
Written by Raymond Merriman   

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The powerful rally that began in world equity markets within two trading days of the Uranus stationary direct point of November 24, reached its peak early last week as the 13-year Jupiter-Pluto conjunction unfolded on December 11. This was right into critical reversal zone as described in last week’s column, and in our recent subscription reports. It was also the day that the Federal Reserve Board did what we expected – it lowered the Fed Funds rate by a quarter point and tacked on a cut to the discount rate too. The Dow Jones Industrial Average promptly began a sell-off of nearly 300 points by the end of that day. Other world indices followed. Stock traders clearly were not impressed with only a quarter point cut, and showed their displeasure with Bernanke and company accordingly. In fact, it might be an indication of the street’s disappointment in Mr. Bernanke as of late. In the wording that followed, the FED seemed to indicate that the concern about inflation was moderating. The risks of inflation were now balanced against the risk of an economic slow-down. By Friday, that type of guidance by the FED proved about as useless as a stock tip from your neighborhood bar patrons. The CPI inflation report on Friday morning showed a much higher-than-expected rise of .8% for the month. Once again, the FED seemed to demonstrate that it is not interested in doing anything about preventing inflation, except to talk strong about it. All their actions in the past year have been pro-inflationary, or at least not anti-inflationary. It is clear their primary intent is to try to avoid a recession and continue fueling growth in the economy (and confidence in it), and hope that strong warnings and words alone will fight off inflation. But it appears the Street is getting wise to this game. I don’t think they like Bernanke and team much after this week.

As the stock markets promptly started to give back a big chunk of their gains, many indices now find prices testing their 25-day moving average already. This week thus begins a critical juncture for world indices. Will they complete a corrective decline this week and resume their new up trends started in late November? Or is the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction such a powerful reversal force that these indices will continue falling even harder, and even past their lows of last August and November?

Stocks indices weren’t the only markets to experience a pullback last week. All foreign currencies (vis-à-vis) the U.S. Dollar also declined. Most significant may be the fall in the Euro currency, which as explained in our recent newsletters, was due to make a top and begin a noteworthy decline into its 26-month cycle trough, due shortly. Silver also fell hard. After posting a multi-week high at 1497 on December 12, the March contract fell all the way down to 1389 the next two days, its lowest level in two months.

Short-Term Geocosmics

We just left one powerful geocosmic reversal zone of December 7 through December 11. And now we begin another that lasts much longer: December 18 through January 12. This reversal zone may be compromised a bit due to holiday markets. The volume is apt to be low during the central part of this reversal period, and in fact many days will find markets closed altogether. Still, some of the signatures have strong historical correspondence to primary or greater cycles in stocks and commodities, and deserve to be treated carefully. One of the more important signatures in this cluster happens this Wednesday as Saturn turns retrograde. Saturn stations, along with Venus and Uranus stations, have the highest correlation of all planetary stations to important reversals in U.S. stock indices, as reported in “The Ultimate Book on Stock Market Timing Volume 3: Geocosmic Correlations to Trading Cycles” (it makes a great holiday gift for that special trading friend). As demonstrated therein, Saturn retrograde has a 65% correlation to primary cycles within an orb of 11 trading days, and a 70% correlation to 4% or greater reversals within only 4 trading days. That’s the statistics. The astrological observation is that any financial markets that are declining into Saturn stations have a high probability of bottoming and turning right back up again within a couple of trading days. And as one can see, there are a number of financial markets that are declining right now, including precious metals, currencies, treasuries, and stocks. Yet as we know from our studies of astrology, Saturn and squares are not always bearish, nor are trines and Jupiter always bullish. And thus those markets that have been rising may peak out now too, like grains, which have been soaring again as of late. Wheat is again making new all-time highs, Soybeans are making new contract highs, and Corn is back at its ten-year high recorded last June.

The following week will find the Sun and Jupiter conjunct, and both in a rare opposition to Mars during the same week. As indicated before, Jupiter has tendency to expand or exaggerate things whenever it is in force, especially with Mars. So, even with the holidays talking place then, we might see large price swings. These signatures indicate the potential for either euphoria or panic. And since Jupiter and Sun conjunct the Federal Reserve Board’s natal Sun (and opposite its natal Pluto), and since the stock market is clearly showing its displeasure with the FED by declining, we may see yet another surprise rate cut before the holiday season is over. That would make everyone euphoric and in the holiday mood. And wouldn’t Bernanke, the Sagittarian, be the perfect person to be cast in the role of Santa Clause – especially after what happened this week?

Longer-Term Thoughts

The last two weeks have not been good for President George W. Bush. This station of Saturn is taking place right on his natal Mars. Mars is the planet of action, of wanting to something and do it now – especially if it involves combat. His progressed Mars is conjoining his natal Moon and Jupiter in Libra, a signature I reported in last year’s Forecast Book would indicate expanding U.S. military involvement overseas, and not withdrawing forces as the special Baker-Hamilton Commission he appointed suggested. And in the past two weeks comes an intelligence report (NIE) that states that in 2004 Iran stopped its nuclear development program that the White House was so concerned about. And this past week comes another report that the CIA “… destroyed videotaped interrogations (that) could permit defense lawyers to raise the specter of a CIA coverup to cast doubt on evidence,” according to the Wall Street Journal, December 8, 2007.

You may remember that the most significant long-term planetary aspect in effect this past year was the Saturn-Neptune opposition. And you may remember that this aspect has a historical correlation of leaders being questioned (“special investigations”) as to “what they knew and when they knew it,” as the public becomes increasingly suspicious of whether or not it is being told the truth. Think of Watergate in 1971-72, the last time this aspect unfolded. But it wasn’t until 1973-74 that the matter was raised to the public’s awareness and the consequences took effect. Or even the quarter cycles that occurred in 1989 when George Bush Sr. was president and promised not raise taxes, but did just that after being elected. Or Bill Clinton in 1998 (another quarter cycle of Saturn-Neptune) saying right on television that “I never had sex with that woman,” only to find out a few weeks later that wasn’t exactly true (depends on what the meaning of “is” is). What happened in 2006-2007 may not be fully known right now. But chances are it will be coming out within the next two years, and maybe even few months. The thing is, American don’t like to be lied to by their leaders. They don’t like to be duped into entering wars either without verifiable intelligence that supports the threat their leader tells them is present.

Is Iran a threat? Is the leader of a country who claims that Israel needs to be wiped off the earth a potential threat? I tend to think so. But the credibility of those who oppose this leader is severely hampered when their own words – or the words of the highly regarded intelligence agencies - are found to be wanting in accuracy. And when that happens, it is not surprising that one’s desire to do what he wishes is severely curtailed by his opponents. And that is not uncommon when transiting Saturn sits right on one’s natal Mars for a few weeks. The good news for Mr. Bush is that this aspect leaves in about a month. The bad news it will return again in a couple of months. The consequence of what is being learned now is not over.

 

Announcements




The “Forecast 2012” webcast will take place on Sunday, February 19, starting at 1:00 PM EST (that’s 6:00 PM GMT or 10:00 AM PST). Via the modern technology of our webinar host, you can log onto this presentation on current markets (both long-term and short-term outlooks) and the political-psychological climate for 2012, in the comfort of your home or office. All you need is a computer with speakers. You can hear the speech and see the live presentation and slide show, complete with the charts as they are being discussed, on your computer screen. The cost for this special event is $45.00. If you are interested in being part of this unique live webcast, just register at the MMA Website (www.mmacycles.com) and scroll down the opening screen for the announcement. Or drop us an email (ordersmma@msn.com) or fax (248-538-5296), or call us at 1-248-626-3034. Instructions to log into this event will be sent upon making reservations. Reserve early (before February 17), for space will be limited.

Many of you have asked about DVD’s or CD’s on the “Forecast 2012 Mini-Congress on January 21 in Amsterdam that I participated in. On the program were also three other excellent speakers on the subject: Irma Schogt of Schogt Market Timing in Amsterdam, plus world renowned astrologer Katen Hammaker-Zondag (specialist in the future of the Euro zone and Euro currency) and Antonia Langsdorf, of Cologne, Germany, who wrote “The Eye of the Storm,” a best-selling rendition about the year 2012 from the point of view of Mayan schools and astrologers. These recording will soon be available through Irma Schogt. We will announce when they will be available, probably within the week. You check in with us next week, or contact Irma directly at www.markettiming.nl.

 

If you are an active short-term trader, or even if you are an investor who likes to keep up with our current thoughts on financial markets, you may be interested in our Weekly or even Daily Market reports with position trading and aggressive 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), Dollar/Yen cash and Yen futures, Euro-Yen cash, T-Notes, Crude Oil, Gold and Silver. The daily reports cover all stock indices listed above, as well as futures in Euro, T-Notes, Gold and Silver. Both reports provide trading strategies and recommendations for position traders as well as for shorter-term aggressive traders. 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. These reports are extremely valuable to those who trade ETF’s (Exchange Traded Funds). In the words of one of our subscribers: “I am really pleased with your recommendations through the Daily and Weekly Trade Recommendations.  I have used them to trade gold and silver stocks in my IRA.  In the last eight years I increased my account from $60,000 to $712,000 (now $850,000).  Thanks for your excellent publications.” - Bryden C., Small Business Owner, Illinois.


Copies of the printed version of Forecast 2012 are still available. There will be no additional printings, so when they are gone, they are gone. This year’s book is 200 pages – our largest ever – and packed full of information about the economy, USA Presidential election, social and economic trends, and of course, financial markets with their all-important three-star critical reversal dates (the one and two-star reversal dates are covered in the MMA Cycles Report, as well as weekly reports). For further information, please go to the front page of our web site at www.mmacycles.com, Or call us at 1-248-626-3034.

The E-Book version of the Forecast 2012 Book is now out as well in two different formats. The first is our own version, which contains both the text and the calendar-ephemeris for 2012. The cost for this is $55.00, or $35.00, depending on whether you also ordered the printed version too.  The second is through Apple iTunes, which covers iPhone 4 and 4S, and the iPad, and also Amazon.com Kindle. The cost is $39.99. It does not contain the advertisements or the planetary calendar and ephemeris in the back. You can now order it if you have an email address registered via one of these 9 countries (USA, UK, Australia, France, Canada, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain). Just go to iTunes, and then “Library,” then “Store,” then in the field titled “Search,” type in “Forecast 2012” or “Raymond Merriman” (without quotation marks). Or, go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/raymond-merriman/id408289861?mt=11.

“After reading the annual Forecasts and subscribing to MMA Cycles for the past ten years, I can say that Ray Merriman's forecasts are uncannily accurate and indispensable for the preservation of wealth. Nothing else I've seen compares. It is without a doubt the best perspective on the big picture, not just bits and pieces of the picture.”
W.W., Investor and Teacher, Indiana.


Our new 2012 MMA Catalogue is now out!! You can download this catalogue directly at http://www.mmacycles.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=41&Itemid=63.

Events:

February 19, 2012: “Forecast 2012 Worldwide Webcast!!!” This is our annual speech to viewers the world over. It will be the latest update on Raymond Merriman’s annual Forecast Book. Utilizing the study of cycles and geocosmic factors, this speech will focus on the current state of the economy, political situation in Washington, DC, and in particular, the financial markets, including: the U.S. stock market, interest rates, the U.S. Dollar, Gold, and Silver. This will be a telecast of the live presentation taking place at the Michigan Education Conference Center in Troy, Michigan on Square Lake Road. The webcast and speech will start at 1:00 PM, EST and last two hours. Cost to participate in the webcast, or to attend in person in Troy, is $45.00. Go to http://www.mmacycles.com/catalogue/multimedia/forecast-2012-live-webcast-february-19,-2012!!!/ for more information.

March 1 and 3, 2012: Hong Kong. “Forecast 2012” on Thursday, March 1, and a full day intensive on “Financial Market Timing” on Saturday, March 3, with emphasis on Gold, Silver, Currencies, and Equity Markets for 2012. Organized by Earlthorn.Com at the Excelsior Hotel, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Contact Teresa Wong at 852-2529 1211 (phone), or by e-mail at earlthorn@hknet.com. A special 90-minute private meeting with MMA Subscribers will follow the workshop on March 3. You must reserve your space for this meeting with MMA.

March 9-11, 2012: The 12th Annual Balkan International Conference, Belgrade, Serbia. Featuring a pre-seminar workshop with Raymond Merriman. For further information on this fantastic gathering, contact www.keplerunited.org. +381-11-267-31-92 or email info@keplerunited.org.

April 19 and 21, Boulder, Colorado. “Forecast 2012” with Raymond Merriman, plus a workshop on “Financial Market Timing,” focusing on equities and precious metals. Sponsored by ROMA. For more information and registration, contact dralagifts@msn.com. Once again, a private meeting for MMA subscribers will follow the workshop.

May 24-29, 2012: UAC!!! The world’s largest astrological conference. Taking place at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel. Go to www.uacastrology.com. There will be an awesome Financial Track, featuring some of the top Financial Astrologers and researchers in the world. There will be private meeting for MMA on Friday or Sunday evening on the top floor of the Marriott.

June 23: Amsterdam. A special 5-hour workshop on “The Gold Market: Forecasting the Price of Gold” Details to be announced shortly, but mark your calendars for an exciting event in one of the world’s most exciting cities at the most exciting time of the year: the first Uranus-Pluto square!

August 2-6, 2012: Midwest Astrology Conference, in Ann Arbor, MI, Holiday Inn. Pre-seminar workshop on Financial Astrology, Thursday, August 2, with Raymond Merriman. More details soon.

September 14-15, 2012: San Diego: Lecture on world economy and national election, and then a workshop on Financial Market Timing. More details shortly.
details soon.

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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