Weekly Preview Comments for the Week Beginning June 16, 2008 
This is not the same as our service titled
"MMA Weekly Comments and Recommendations on Financial Markets"
which is available by subscription only.
Flowchart on MMA Products and Services
| Comments for the Week Beginning June 16, 2008 |
Review and PreviewNearly all the leading equity markets of the world fell to their lowest price since mid-May by the end of last week. Several of these started a modest rally by Friday. The interesting part of last week’s market behavior is that stock indices were down nearly the entirety of the May 22-June 13 “translation” period of Sun-Venus to Saturn-Uranus forthcoming opposition, as described in this report over the past couple of weeks. This is the third such translation period of the year, following the ones that coincided with the lows of January and March. It now comes to end, and we wait to observe whether or not this also means the decline comes to an end. Stock indices were not the only financial market in decline much of last week. Gold and Silver also fell to their lowest levels in over a month. From a high of 934 on May 21, Gold fell to a low of 860 on June 12. Silver’s decline was from 1833 on May 23 to 1625 on June 12, again coincident with the “translation” period of Sun-Venus in square to both the Saturn-Uranus that make up the forthcoming opposition later this year. Currencies also fell hard last week against the U.S. Dollar. But other commodities rose sharply, especially the grains. Corn soared to a record high of 737 on Friday. Both Soybeans and Wheat rallied substantially last week too. The rise in Corn was attributed to rainy conditions in the grain belt that is delaying the growth of Corn. While we expected Corn to soar above 700 quickly in our subscription reports, the cause was not as we anticipated (we anticipated demand due to ethanol would create the rally). Yet the presence of too much rain can also be explained in terms of Financial Astrology. Neptune rules rains and floods. We are in a period when the planetoid Chiron, as well as the North Node of the Moon, are in a conjunction to Neptune. Thus Neptune is highlighted this spring and summer, and coincides with heavy rains. It may also be a factor in the continual rise in Crude Oil prices, for Neptune also rules Crude Oil. Short-Term GeocosmicsMercury will end its retrograde motion this week, June 19. Give it about a week, and then we would anticipate that financial markets will return to more “normal” behavior, from a technical studies point of view. In other words, we will start coming out of this highly erratic and quite unpredictable zone, when events occur suddenly and without much warning, or reports are released which are considerably off the mark of most forecasters (think the recent Employment report, as well as the release of the former press secretary Scott McClellan’s expose on the current White House Administration). There are a series of interesting opposition aspects coming up between planets in the next couple of weeks. Oppositions are important because they represent the climax of cycles that began at their conjunction point. They can mark a turn in the trend of various financial markets which they pertain to. On Wednesday of this week, Venus will be in opposition to Pluto, followed by the Sun doing the same on Friday, June 20. Pluto rules debt markets, like currencies and Treasuries. We might anticipate that Fed Chair Ben Bernanke comes under some rather severe challenges during this period. On June 21, Mars will be in opposition to Neptune, something that could relate to a climax in the Crude Oil market. On July 3 and 9 respectively, first Venus and then the Sun will be opposition to Jupiter. The later aspect is one of the most powerful correlates to primary or greater cycles in U.S. stock indices within 10 trading days. It can coincide with “Big Range” days, the 200+point types in the DJIA, especially since a Mars-Saturn conjunction occurs the very next day, and Uranus aspects to other planets unfold July 6 and July 14. Remember: when a combination of signatures involving Mars, Jupiter, and/or Uranus is present, stock indices tend to have “Big Range” days nearby. July 6-14 is one of those periods. The entire period of June 12 through July 14 is a powerful geocosmic cluster zone. During this time band there are no less than 15 important geocosmic signatures unfolding, and no two consecutive ones are more than 5 calendar days apart. Seven of these are our most powerful Level One types, including three that take place June 20 (Sun-Pluto opposition), June 21 (Mars-Neptune opposition) and June 26 (Uranus stationary direct). The last one is extremely powerful, with a 77% correlation to primary or greater cycles within 11 trading days. All this activity suggests that one of the best trading opportunities of the year could be readying any day now. Longer-Term ThoughtsI have referred to the importance of certain time bands this year in which faster moving planets make hard aspects to the forthcoming Saturn-Uranus opposition. My belief is that these periods, known as “translations” of the faster moving bodies to the longer-term aspect, will give us a glimpse of what to expect between November 4, 2008 and July 26, 2010, when the exact 45-year opposition of Saturn and Uranus take place in a five-passage series. The first four of those oppositions occur with Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces. Saturn in Virgo by itself represents a time when the working people of the planet become very dissatisfied with their working conditions – especially their pay scale, which they see as a sign of inequity in comparison to the affluence of the management, executive, or upper echelons of society. Typically the workers (laborers) demand intervention on the part of government to make changes that correct these inequities, or else they stop working. They go on strikes, demanding more money and better working conditions. Productivity goes down and distribution channels are interrupted. With Uranus in the equation, there can be an even more serious note of protest and rebellion. Again, the protests are aimed at the government or those in authority, which are represented by Saturn. Thus it can become a time of class warfare. We are currently in such a “translation” period, May 22-June 13, when both the Sun and Venus are transiting through Gemini, making first a square to Saturn, and then a square to Uranus. I am here in Tokyo this week, and it never fails to amaze me to see the difference in emphasis placed on various news items than we see in the United States. Here the front page headlines are all about protests taking place in Asian countries, such as India and South Korea. The later instance is particularly interesting, where tens of thousands of South Koreans are staging such a massive protests that the cabinet of the 100-day old government “offered to resign, taking responsibility for a string of political miscalculations that have sent support for President Lee Myung-bak’s government tumbling,” according to an article in Wednesday’s Asian Financial Times newspaper The reason for the protests? Sharply rising oil prices and the government’s decision to ease restrictions of U.S. imports on meat from cows, in the midst of an economy that is falling faster than they expected or forecasted. The Korean populace resents that the new government is “kowtowing” to the American government by allowing American beef into their country. They fear the dreaded “mad cow disease” will strike. Judging by their intense overreaction to the problem, it appears it may be too late. But here is the thing that is pertinent to the United States. From a leadership point of view, could something like this happen in America soon? The Times report goes on to state in that same article and another on the next day, “The scenes Tuesday illuminated the dramatic shift in President Lee’s political fortunes…. Mr. Lee’s government made grand pledges to overhaul the stagnant economy when it took office at the end of February… While championing a pragmatic leadership, Lee overlooked Koreans nationalistic pride. If what troubled Roh’s presidency (the prior President) was too much nationalism, Lee’s problem is a lack of it.” Hmmm, this sounds vaguely familiar. I have referred to the Saturn-Uranus opposition often in the context of the U.S. forthcoming election. The aspect is highly unpredictable, except that it promises sudden and unexpected events into the election, and immediately afterwards. It clearly defines the stark difference between the candidates. One is youthful, charismatic, and promises a great change, but cannot be accused of being overly nationalistic, which are characteristics of Uranus. The other is older, a national war hero, much more experienced, but represents the more conservative and nationalistic element, which is Saturn. Does the U.S.A. go for the promise of bold new changes at a time that the current party in office is so unpopular and nationalistic, as did South Korea? If so, could it be a landslide victory for the Democrats, as many are predicting, with all of the nation’s hopes wrapped up in the belief that these bold new changes will indeed take place quickly? And what happens if in the critical first 100 days, the failing economy suffers further and the promised changes aren’t taking place? With Saturn in Virgo representing discontent, and Uranus in opposition representing the urge to rebel, could there be massive protests because things aren’t getting better, and the hopes of the populace are falling faster than George W. Bush’s approval ratings? Yes, that is one possibility, and it is now a reality in South Korea, related to the translation of the Sun-Venus to the forthcoming Saturn-Uranus opposition. It could portend a theme that we see next year in the U.S.A. But it is Uranus to Saturn, and so there are several other possible themes related to the unexpected that are experienced as well. After all, the first passage of this Saturn-Uranus reality will take place right on Election Day, 2008. All we know is this: events will happen, and reactions to those events will be exaggerated, in ways that we did not fully expect. We may not get what we wish for, or even expect, without solid planning and understanding of the dynamics that are present. And there are so many dynamics present. Reality trumps hope, unless hope takes into account reality and consists of something more concrete than just wishful thinking and desire for change. |
Announcements
We are now accepting orders for the Forecast 2011 book now via phone (1-248-626-3034), fax (1-248-538-5296), email (ordersmma@msn.com), or through our shopping cart online (www.mmacycles.com). We are pleased to announce the price will remain the same as last year. That is $55.00 if ordered after October 31, and $45.00 if ordered before (plus postage). We will also be offering special 10% discount rate for our subscription services to those who also pre-order Forecast 2011. This is a great deal, for in the words of one of our daily subscribers recently, “I don't know whether you want to hear/take any comments at all but I wanted to say that, so far, I am a very happy camper and the only thing which I think that I did wrong with subscribing to your service that I did it TOO LATE! What was I thinking....? :-)" – R. Rood, Lugano, Switzerland, futures trader and technical analyst, former cash grain trader.
For a review of the forecasts from the Forecast 2010 book, please go to www.mmacycles.com, and scroll down to about the third or fourth article on the opening screen. Or go directly to http://www.mmacycles.com/the-news/about-mma/scorecard-for-forecasts-2010/.
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. 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, call our offices at 1-248-626-3034, or go to http://www.mmacycles.com/services. 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.” Order now with the Forecast 2011 Book and receive a special 10% rate reduction on these services through October.
The monthly MMA Cycles Report and its companions – the MMA Japan Cycles Report and MMA European Cycles Report – went out last week. If you are a subscriber and did not receive it, contact us 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. These reports are included in the Japanese, German, and Dutch translated MMA Cycles Report respectively. New yearly (or renewing) subscribers to these reports will receive a free copy of the Forecast 2010 book while supplies last (see below). You also qualify for a special discount on a yearly subscription if at the same time you pre-order Forecast 2011. For subscription information, please go to SERVICES at www.mmacycles.com.
CD’s DVD’s, and MP3’s 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 was right before the astrological midpoint of the Cardinal Climax, which is taking place now. 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. It is interesting to see how the stocks, grains and currencies moved right up into this time band, as outlined in this presentation. You won’t want to miss this. Order now, because most of the trading opportunities presented are in effect mainly from July 21 through October 8, 2010!!!
ForumOnAstrology.com is holding a three-day video conference on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 1st, 2nd, and 3, 2010. This pioneering Internet astrological conference features dozens of internationally known speakers. Very economically priced, all participants have access to all live broadcasts with the ability to replay them from the archives for up to three months. Call (212) 929-4507 or email Inquiries@ForumOnAstrology.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 uncertainty 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 exactly when to enter and exit any market. I would also like to recommend long-term MMA subscriber Erwin Brunner of Zurich, Switzerland. Mr. Brunner is the founder of BrunnerInvest AG. One of his five funds was awarded the “Best in-house fund of funds” in the world recently. Mr. Brunner is a former director of the Swiss Banking Corporation (today it is known as UBS), and a general director of Rothschild Bank in Zurich. As an independent wealth manager for high net worth individuals and institutional clients only, he places his clients into the funds of the best performing fund managers in the world, via his own research and experience. For high net worth readers interested in Mr. Brunner’s funds, please contact him through www.brunnerinvest.ch.
OK. You’ve asked about classes in Financial Astrology, and I am giving two of them in great South American cities in late September and early October. Since these constitute “investment education,” many of you will be able to write the expenses of this trip off (travel, some meals, and cost of conferences). Here are some more details of each – and I hope to see many subscribers at each:
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 will 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 may host a special gathering for MMA Subscribers on Sunday, October 3, the day of Brazil’s elections, if enough subscribers request such a meeting.
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.
April 28 and 30, 2011: Kansas City, Mo. “Forecasts for 2011” and “Financial Astrology Workshop” with Raymond Merriman. Sponsored by AOA. Details soon. This will be the next Financial Astrology workshop in the United States.
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, please go to http://www.heavenandearthworkshops.com/financial.html.
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).
Archives
Previous weeklies (2006) are archived at www.olmta.com
For other language editions of MMA´s weekly comments:
- Dutch : www.markettiming.nl (Nederlands)
- Spanish : www.mmacycles-spanish.com (Espaņol)
- German : www.mma-europe.ch (Deutch)
- Japanese : www.merriman.jp
- Russian : www.urania.ru
- Serbian : www.mma-balkan.com
- Polish : www.astrobiznes.pl
Owners of websites:
This Weekly Market Climate is available for co-branding. Call 1-800-662-3349 for details.
