Menu Content

Merriman Market Analyst

Home arrow Weekly Preview arrow MMA Comments for the Week Beginning November 2, 2009
Advertisement
Please note:
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
MMA Comments for the Week Beginning November 2, 2009
Written by Raymond Merriman   

Review and Preview

 World equity markets made a complete about face as the Sun left Libra last week, and started its month-long trek through Scorpio this week. They sold off, and even the benevolent Venus trine Jupiter Wednesday night could only lift the market up strongly for the one day that followed. Even that was on the back of the positive GDP numbers in the United States, the first in several quarters, which signals the end to this recession that started in December 2007. By Friday, stocks market shrugged off those favorable GDP numbers and Venus-Jupiter love fest of Thursday, as many fell to their lowest level in three weeks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, for instance, was up 200 points on Thursday, but down 250 on Friday, closing nearly 300 points below 10,000. Weren’t they just celebrating 10,000 as finally having been conquered again on the TV market stations? This is not a good sign.

 In tandem with stocks, precious metals and foreign currencies also fell against the US Dollar. So did Crude Oil. None of these markets made new highs last week, after doing so the week or two before. In fact, they all sold off to multi-week lows by the end of the week. As suggested before, we are in Scorpio now, and the focus is all about debt. It’s hard to be optimistic about the future when you have to think about the heavy load of debt still present today.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 The Sun’s month long ingress into Scorpio wasn’t the only geocosmic factor of importance last week. Saturn also moved into Libra on Thursday, October 29, where it will remain until April 7, when it retrogrades back into Virgo for a little more than three months. Saturn is exalted in Libra, and both Saturn and Libra pertain to issues of fairness and justice. In classical astrology, Saturn in Libra is a strong and potentially positive position. It inclines one to measure all sides of an issue, and to make a choice that is well-considered and wise. It favors leaders who are calm, mature, and take their time to come to a decision that is just. But Libra is also a cardinal sign, and cardinal signs rule action. In fact, four of the five furthest-out planets in our solar system (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto, not to mention the Moon’s North Node), will all be in the early degrees of cardinal signs sometime in 2010, having recently left the “thinking” mutable signs. What does this mean? Well, I think it means that the USA president will move from a stage wherein he takes a lot of time to consider all things (well, many things), and will soon move into a phase of great action, for better or worse, depending on your point of view. He won’t be “dithering” much longer, as suggested by his critic and former Vice-President Dick Cheney. But he may not act in a manner that pleases his far left supporters either, for Saturn in Libra is about as “centrist” a position as can be imagined in Mundane Astrology. It is, after all, the halfway point through the zodiac. Saturn here is apt to be more pragmatic, and less ideological. But with Pluto in Capricorn being squared by this Saturn in Libra, it is also very political and savvy. I think the next few months will witness a remarkable transformation in the leadership style of Barack Obama, one from contemplation (or “dithering”) to action, one from the percetpion of a very liberal ideologue (in the view of conservatives and independents) to a surprisingly more centrist leader who wants to move things forward with more broad-based support. In the process, he may lose some of his current supporters, and they won’t go out gently.

 But back to short-term geocosmics. The translation of Venus in trine to the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction, October 28-November 2, did not produce a top as suggested. In fact, the markets are selling off into this translation zone, which is not a good omen for the future. But the translation ends with Monday’s full moon, followed by Neptune’s station from retrograde to direct motion on Wednesday. That could produce a reversal – unless the strong presence of Neptune correlates with hysteria and panic. If it does, the markets could be in trouble all the way into the first passage of the Saturn-Pluto waning square, which takes place November 15. Since Neptune is one of the co-rulers of crude oil, this may be a market to watch closely this week too for clues. Neptune also rules rains and floods, and this is one of the problems for farmers trying to harvest their crops late in the season. They can’t get the machinery out in the fields, and there is danger of losing much of this year’s crop, which would be consistent with Saturn square Pluto.

Longer-Term Thoughts

 Last week’s column discussed the insider trading and market manipulation themes of transiting Neptune over the NYSE chart. In that column, we stated, “It is no coincidence, according to the principles of Financial Astrology, that the biggest insider trading scandal in decades was alleged last week against hedge fund giant Galleon Group. What may be more surprising is that this maybe just the tip of an iceberg, for usually under such transits, the revelations are not exposed until 1-2 years afterwards.”

Indeed that seems to be the case, as the front page of Wednesday’s Wall Street Journal headlined “Ex-Chief of AMD is linked to Galleon.” The article states, “A criminal case… alleged an unnamed Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. executive shared confidential information about the chip maker with a defendant in the case. The AMD executive is Hector Ruiz, then AMD’s chairman and previously the company’s chief executive.” This probe is starting to widen. With Saturn coming up to its first of three waning square aspects in mid-November, there may be more high ranking leaders of the business community pulled out and pulled down.

But this is just part of an even bigger problem related with Pluto in Capricorn, 2008-2024. Pluto rules debt, but debt is really nothing more than money in today’s world. You can’t have one without the other, but the hope is that they are somewhat balanced. Pluto also rules “deals behind the scene.” They are “behind the scene” for a reason. Those involved don’t want others to know what they are doing. Thus Pluto relates to the element of “secrecy.” In the mundane world, Pluto rules banks, investment houses, and taxing agencies of the government (i.e. IRS). Basically it represents those institutions that deal in OPM – Other People’s Monies. Thus again we have debt issues, which pertains to Pluto.

Capricorn and its ruler Saturn, on the other hand, pertain to the Government, as well as big business in general. So what can happen when Pluto is in Capricorn, and squared by Saturn? Well you can create instances where the line between government, banks, and big business becomes very unclear. They can be all connected, rather than separate, and “deals behind the scene” can take place by representatives in each of these areas. We see this today, for instance, as the USA Government now has taken a controlling stake in banks, insurance companies, and automobile companies, with health insurance companies possibly next on the docket. The USA government has also appointed a pay czar to set compensation schedules for executives of these firms who are now partly owned by the government, but really owned by the taxpayers of this country. The problem is that these cases (and these positions) become potential conflicts of interest, as the temptation to corruption – ala bribery, or payment for financial favors – increases immensely. There is a reason why there is separation of church and government, and the same should possibly be true with business and banking with the government. But today, for instance, a case can be made that the USA Central Bank – the Federal Reserve Board – has now become the fourth branch of government, as suggested by David Wessel in the sub-title of his excellent book “In FED We Trust” (2009, Crown Publishing Group). Another example of the blurring of lines this creates is in the form of campaign contributions, or lobbying efforts, by large banks and corporations with elected government representatives. Literally, votes and/or political influence can be bought, and that is something Pluto in Capricorn won’t tolerate for long.

With Pluto in Capricorn, there is bound to be an increasingly intense demand for honesty and integrity by all of these parties, and a demand for a more formal separation of influence of government leaders from big business and banks. As Pluto moves further and further into Capricorn, first squaring Saturn for the next 9 months, and then in square to Uranus 2012-2015, this issue is apt to become the basis for many more exposures of corruption. What will be surprising is how far up the corporate ladder, and how deep into the U.S. Government, this conflict of interest goes. Heads will roll, because when Uranus squares Pluto, it will fall in an exact T-square with the USA’s own Sun square Saturn, at 11-14 degrees of Cancer and Libra respectively. However, that’s about 4 years away. In the meantime, it’s like a tidal wave that is just beginning. Once again, the only way to survive in business, banking, or government, is to be totally honest – and maybe a little lucky. Pluto in Capricorn is not a good time to be dishonest or corrupt. Everything comes out, and no one gets away with anything in the end.

 

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:


Owners of websites:

This Weekly Market Climate is available for co-branding. Call 1-800-662-3349 for details.