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Comments for the Week Beginning June 30, 2008

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 The powerful Uranus station this past week struck with a bang. In typical Uranus fashion, the equity markets went into panic mode and some indices of the world broke below their lows of January or March. This was the case, for instance, in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which negates our prior forecast that the low on January 22 was the 4-year cycle trough in this index. However, aside from India’s Nifty stock index, none of the other indices we follow did the same.

 In Europe, the AEX of Netherlands fell to 419.35 on Friday, which is still well above its 401.45 low of January 22. The DAX index of Germany fell to 6348, still above its 6167 low of March 17. In England, the FTSE fell to 5470, still well above the yearly low of 5335 recorded on January 22. But the SMI of Switzerland almost broke to a new low. Friday’s bottom was 6803, just barely above the March 17 low at 6769. It is vulnerable.

 In Asia and the Pacific Rim, only India’s Nifty index made a new low, falling to 4093 on Wednesday, thus breaking the prior low of 4448 on January 22. Australia’s All Ordinaries declined to 5266, still well above the 5130 low of March 17. The Hang Seng dropped hard, to 21,773 on Friday, but that was still considerably higher the 20,572 level of March 17. The Nikkei stock index of Japan was even more promising, falling only to 13,453, well above the probable 4.5-year cycle trough of 11,691 registered on March 17.

 In the USA, even the NASDAQ Composite held up reasonably well. Friday’s low was 2290, far above the 2155 low of March 17. But the DJIA commands the most publicity in the world, and that index fell to 11,298, well below its prior low of 11,634 recorded on January 22.

Our long-term cycle’s picture for the DJIA has therefore turned more bearish now with the break to the new yearly low. It will change to fully bearish if - and when - other world indices confirm with new yearly lows. Until then, the possibility remains that these equity markets are exhibiting cases of “intermarket bullish divergence,” which can result in reversals. As stated last week, “Uranus will turn retrograde on June 26. This is a powerful Level One signature, with one of the highest correlations to major reversals in U.S. stocks markets of all the signatures we examine. But the nature of Uranus – like Mercury Rx – is oftentimes unpredictable… This particular Uranus station is even more important than usual, because it occurs so close to the exact midpoint of this geocosmic cluster zone mentioned above. All this activity suggests that one of the best trading opportunities of the year could be readying any day now.” At the moment, I see no need to change this forecast. Uranus is doing exactly what it suppose to do, especially given the fact that Saturn in opposition to Uranus - the most important geocosmic aspect since 1993 - begins a five-passage series later this year July 2010.

We have a saying in the trading community: “If you are wrong, don’t be wrong for long.” I first heard that from Financial Astrologer Norman Winski of Naples, Florida, and it is true. My forecasts are not always correct. No one’s forecasts are always right. My labeling of the 4-year cycle for the DJIA will now have to be adjusted, and the new preferred outlook will be covered in detail in our subscription reports, as always.  For those many readers who have asked, our long-term cycle’s picture was downgraded from bullish to neutral back on the week ending May 23. The warning signs were issued then, and clearly indicated in our reports. But now those same long-term indicators will have to be fully downgraded further if (and when) other indices fall to new lows. But the shorter-term outlook remains the same for trading purposes.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 This week is the birthday of the United States. Markets will be closed Friday. The major signatures coming up are Venus and the Sun in opposition to Jupiter (July 3 and 9), followed by Mars in conjunction to Saturn on July 10. The Sun-Jupiter opposition is particularly interesting because it has a 75% correlation to primary or greater cycles within 10 trading days. Like Uranus turning retrograde, this is one of the strongest signatures correlating with reversals in stock indices. It can correlate with powerful price moves, like 200+ point up or down days within only 4 trading days in the DJIA. The Mars-Saturn conjunction has a high correlation to extreme temperatures in weather. At this time of year, it usually corresponds to hot and dry conditions, which would be a relief in the flooded grain belt. It can correspond to primary or greater cycles in grain prices within 10 trading days. Geopolitically, this same signature can also correspond to wars or protests – even strikes – by workers, because it is in Virgo, sign of labor. It highlights a sense of social inequities, especially between labor and management.

Longer-Term Thoughts

 Last week I re-visited the relationship of the Saturn-Pluto cycle with regard to taxes, federal deficits, and general economic conditions. I attempted to relate this cycle in terms of the platform of one of the candidates for this year’s USA presidential election, Barack Obama.

 Basically, the Saturn-Pluto cycle goes like this: economic conditions are in their up cycle from the 18-year period of conjunction to opposition. Federal deficits go down, taxes go down interest rates go down, and the economy expands. People can invest monies into equities, for this is the period to encourage “capital appreciation.” This phase was last in force 1982-2001. But then the cycle reverses for the 18 years from the opposition to conjunction. Federal deficits increase, taxes go up, interest rates go up, prices (commodities) go up, and the economy starts to stagnate. This is the time to “preserve capital.” This phase is now in effect 2001-2020.

 So far, this down phase has only been partly realized. Federal deficits (in the USA) have gone up, but taxes and interest rates have not. They have remained low. In terms of Financial Astrology, this may be due to the fact that Saturn is still in its up cycle, approaching its 45-year opposition to Uranus. So even though Saturn-Pluto is in the downside of its cycle, Saturn-Uranus is still approaching its peak before beginning the downside of its cycle. And the fact that neither interest rates nor taxes have gone up may account for the long period of stock market and economic gains from October 2002 through October 2007. But that very period of prosperity is now threatened as another part of the historical equation – commodity prices – have soared, causing inflation to also soar throughout the world. It is just a matter of time now before interest rates start rising. In fact, it has already started in many countries.

 I also pointed out that of the two candidates running for U.S. president, Barack Obama could win because he fits the part of the cycle that correlates with rising taxes. His platform is to raise the income tax of the top 2% of tax payers. I pointed out that there were many studies that show a correlation between rising taxes and a faltering economy. Space does not permit me to cover any of those studies this week, but I may in future columns, because they are plentiful. But let me give you just one simple example here in Michigan. Unfortunately, I did not save the source of my data. But here in Michigan both income and business taxes have increased substantially recently, all under the well-intentioned belief that if taxes increased, more monies would be available for a future that Michigan needed to “invest” in. The result of these higher taxes? Unemployment has jumped to 8.5%, from well below 6% just a few months ago. 330,000 people have moved out of the state, looking for new jobs, and the gross revenue intake from the higher taxes is now less than before. Fewer people paid these taxes, and of those who did, many paid from lower wages. This example represents a similar conclusion of the many studies I referred to previously.

 Now, I like many aspects of both Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain’s platforms, and I am critical of aspects of each. I am neither Democrat nor Republican. But it is my duty, as a Financial and Mundane Astrologer, to show a connection to any candidate’s platform when it relates to a major astrological cycle. The idea of raising taxes plays right into the waning phase of the Saturn-Pluto cycle. And the relationship between raising taxes, followed by a weakening of the economy, can also be historically correlated with this Saturn-Pluto cycle. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to also understand that raising taxes in a recession has a heightened risk of disastrous consequences, and that too plays into the history of the forthcoming geocosmic signatures. Within 18 months of August 1, 2010, there will be a very rare cardinal T-square formation between Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto. The last time it happened was in 1930-1931. That was an economically disastrous time. I don’t think there is much doubt right now that a similar economic disaster is possible in the next 2-3 years. I was hopeful that the favorable lesser signatures in effect prior to this November would kick in and push stock indices and economic data higher before these major signatures grab hold. But after last week’s equity performance, it appears that I miscalculated the power of those lesser signatures. The heavier aspects coming up later this year are already having an influence on the economy and financial markets.

 In my way of looking at things, the only hope now to prevent these long-term cycles from unfolding lies in the choices that world leaders make regarding the issues that are common in those cyclical downturns. That is, reduce the escalating federal deficits in order to keep interest rates low, fight inflation now rather than later, and by all means, do not raise taxes for anybody until we come out of this downturn. Transiting Saturn will soon move into its waning square aspect to Pluto (the halfway point of the opposition to conjunction phase). That would be the time taxes would most likely increase, unless leaders choose otherwise. That aspect takes place three times from November 15, 2009 through August 21, 2010.

 Wouldn’t you think that after five years of war in Iraq, and a Presidential candidate who appeals to the hopes of people everywhere with a promise to bring the troops home and end that war – thus saving billions of dollars in spending – that we could have the benefit of “peace dividend” instead of a “peace tax?” And thereby counteract the forces of these long-term cycles that are on the verge of unfolding?  

Astrology offers one the ability to plan wisely, and the ability to plan is a gift from God.

 

 

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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