Menu Content

Merriman Market Analyst

Home arrow Weekly Preview arrow MMA Weekly Commen ts for the Week beginning February 1, 2010
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 Weekly Commen ts for the Week beginning February 1, 2010
Written by Raymond Merriman   

Review and Preview

 I am back from 2+ weeks of presentations in Amsterdam, Moscow, and Zurich. For a synopsis of what I learned on this trip, feel free to visit my web site and read my comments at http://www.mmacycles.com/the-news/about-mma/my-forecast-2010-european-winter-tour/.
 
 It was quite a stunning period since I left two weeks ago. Many stock markets of the world made new yearly highs between January 11-15, in concert with the Saturn and Mercury stations of January 13 and 15. Since that time, many have plummeted.

 In Asia and the Pacific Rim, the Japanese Nikkei made its yearly high on January 15 at 10,982. Two weeks later, on Friday, January 29, it closed at 10,198, a loss of 7.14%. Australia’s All Ordinaries index made a new yearly high of 4984 on January 11, and declined to 4592 on Friday, January 29, a loss of 7.86%. It was even worse in India and Hong Kong. The NIFTY index of India topped out at 5310 on January 6, but then fell 10.25% to 4766 on Friday’s low. The Hand Seng fell from 22,671 on January 11 to a low of 19,916 on Friday, January 29, a loss of 12.5%. That high in January did not take out the yearly high of 23,099 on November 18, made under the first passage of the Saturn-Pluto square. Now we are entering the second passage of this same aspect on Sunday, January 31.

 In Europe, similar declines were noted in some of the indices. For instance, the German DAX fell from a yearly high of 6094 on January 11 to a low of 5540 on January 28, a loss of 9.1%. London’s FTSE fell from its yearly high of 5600 on January 11 to a low of 5145 on January 28 and 29, a decline of 8.1%. Russia’s MICEX index also had a sizable decline, falling from a new yearly high of 1491 on January 20 to a low of 1363 just one week later on January 27, for a loss of 8.6%. Much more benign were the AEX of Netherlands and SMI of Switzerland. The AEX lost 6.26%, falling to 323.95 on January 28 after achieving its yearly high of 345.46 on January 11, along with the other Euro indices. The SMI was even milder, falling from 6666 on January 11 and 21 to a low of 6386 on January 26.

 In the Americas, Brazil’s Bovespa took the biggest hit, falling 9.18% from its yearly high of 71,068 on January 11 to a low of 64,541 on January 28. Argentina’s Merval index was rather quiet and didn’t make a new yearly high or multi-week low during this period. The NASDAQ Composite fell from a yearly high of 2326 on January 11 to a low of 2140 on Friday, January 29, a loss of 8%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 6.39%, from its yearly high on January 19 at 10,729 to a low of 10,043 on January 29. The most important factor here is that almost all of these indices made their yearly highs within a couple of days of the Saturn and Mercury stations of January 13 and 15. But there was a lot of divergence, with some topping out just before the stations, and others topping out only a couple of days later. This is known as “intermarket bearish divergence,” and when that happens nearby to a critical reversal date (as in this case), it is usually a powerful reversal indicator. It worked very well this time.

 Reversals were not only evident in stock indices around the world. The precious metals also fell hard from their secondary highs of January 11 through Thursday, January 28. Gold topped out at 1163 on January 11, then plummeted to 1072.20 on Thursday, January 28, for a loss of 7.72%. But Silver’s fall was spectacular. After making its secondary top at 1892 on January 11, it collapsed to 1602 on Thursday, January 28, for a loss of 15.33%. The loss in Crude Oil was almost as dramatic. From a yearly high of 83.95 on the same January 11 date, the nearby contract plunged 13.72% to a low of 72.43 on January 29. All of this may be related to the strength in the U.S. Dollar, which rose against most currencies during the past two weeks, which means other currencies declined against the Dollar. The Euro currency, for instance, fell below 1.4000 last week for the first time since July. In fact, it fell below 1.3900. It is not that the Dollar fundamentals are so attractive, but rather because the debt situation in many countries within the Euro union are much worst than thought just a few weeks ago. The European Union may be in jeopardy as the credit rating of several counties is now vulnerable to be downgraded, another victim of the Saturn waning square to Pluto, in effect October 2009-August 2010.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 This week will be highlighted by the second passage of Saturn square Pluto, which takes place on Sunday, January 31. This is following Venus and Sun in opposition to the Mars retrograde, which took place January 27 and 29 respectively. As we have seen in recent days, the focus of political and economic leaders has switched, with their full attention now on to the world debt situation. This is a perfect theme for Saturn square Pluto, especially with the Saturn-Pluto cycle in its waning phase (2001-2020), a time when debt is almost always a huge concern. This particular Saturn-Pluto square is taking place under a full moon this weekend. In fact, it is nearly a lunar eclipse, which simply intensifies the themes of the other planetary signatures unfolding. It is quite possible that we could see several markets reverse their short-term trends now, or collapse in a serious free fall. However, the polarity and bickering between political parties is not apt to reverse. To the contrary, under such signatures, the divisiveness is likely to become more acute in the weeks ahead. And along with that, the frustration of populations who just want their government leaders to do the right things, and act as if they truly care about the welfare of the people they serve, rather than solely their own political careers. With Pluto in Capricorn, the collective psychology seeks a return to basic values of Capricorn, like honor, honesty, integrity, responsibility, and personal accountability. What they don’t want is the opposite – projection and blame of others, without taking on genuine responsibility for their own contribution to the collective angst, and the tendency towards hypocrisy where they say they believe in one thing, but then their actions don’t compliment their words. It seems lately to be a choice between two negatives: one party that always says “no” to any change, and the other that promises change, but then qualifies or reverses each proposal immediately afterwards to render it as a disappointment or broken promise.

Longer-Term Thoughts

In the last column two weeks ago, I indicated that Jupiter was moving into Pisces January 17 through June 8. As stated at the time, “With Saturn and Pluto involved, it always has the potential to pertain to matters of debt, and the problems that increasing debt causes. Since three planets are changing signs this week, it will be interesting to note the new approaches to solving the debt crisis that may be introduced over the rest of this month. I am not sure that any of them are credible, however, with Jupiter (exaggeration) in the sign of Pisces (fantasy). My guess is that it will be more tough talk followed by actions that are exactly the opposite of the promises and tough talk. In other words, spending will increase, deficits will increase, and consequently so will risk-taking and speculation.”

Well, this is starting to materialize. At a panel a week ago at the Swiss Symposium in Zurich, we (panelists) were asked, “If Obama asked for your suggestions on what to do right now, what would you tell him?” My answer was: 1) put a 2-year freeze on any new spending programs and seek to reduce the deficit, and 2) put a two-year freeze on any new taxes for small businesses, so that they could enact plans that would involve hiring new people – outside of government - without the uncertainty as to what the tax situation will be. Lo and behold, I return home a couple of days later and the Obama administration announces a three-year freeze on new spending programs, and a new tax reduction incentive for small business. Maybe there is hope yet for this White House! But then a day later it is announced that the spending freeze won’t be for all government programs, only about 1/6 of them. And it will not take effect until 2012, not immediately when it is most needed. In the meantime, the Senate just announced it wants to raise the debt ceiling not from just $9 trillion to $12 trillion as reported in December, but now to over 14 trillion, with another shot at raising it again right after the mid-term elections in November 2010. This is plenty of time before the spending freeze is to take effect in 2012. I mean, how can one take the word of these people seriously when they first state exactly what you want to hear, and then invalidate it with the qualifications they impose a day later? A 3-year spending freeze sounds great! But what is the use of such a freeze if you first of all allow Congress to raise the debt ceiling for borrowing by over 50%? That is like saying I am going to stop smoking cigarettes in three years. But first I am going to increase my smoking habit by two packs a day.

Spending more than you have – creating debt - is like an addiction. Breaking addictions requires a painful sacrifice of your routines, of your very life style. No one wants to do it, and politicians simply don’t have the will power to even try it before giving themselves a large cushion to work from that protects their own self-interest. Is it any wonder that in a recent Gallop poll, more people rated used car salesmen higher in the issues of honesty and integrity, than members of Congress? This is what has to change, and this is exactly what will change as Pluto purges all the corruption, dishonesty, and hypocrisy out of government, business, and bank leaders in this new decade. That’s the nature of Pluto, and that is the arena of Capricorn. It’s a return to basic Capricorn principles. It is not about Democrats and Liberals, and it’s not about Republicans and Conservatives. It is about trust, and being connected to the values of the people who elect you. That is why there are populist uprisings all over the world today, but especially in the United States. If you want to succeed in politics, it requires only a couple of primary attributes now: truthfulness, authenticity, and the willingness to govern well, and not just campaign well.

 

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).

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.