MMA FREE WEEKLY COLUMN FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING MAY 5, 2025

Special thanks to MMA analysts Pouyan Zolfagharnia and Gianni Di Poce for covering for me the last two weeks with their excellent columns.

REVIEW

Job growth was stronger than expected in April despite worries over the impact of President Donald Trump’s blanket tariffs against U.S. trading partners. Nonfarm payrolls increased a seasonally adjusted 177,000 for the month, slightly below the downwardly revised 185,000 in March but above the Dow Jones estimate for 133,000.

— Jeff Cox, “U.S. Payroll Growth Totals 177,000 in April, Defying Expectations,” www.cnbc.com, May 2, 2025.

The U.S. economy contracted in the first three months of 2025, as businesses rushed to stock up on imports ahead of the Trump administration’s tariffs and consumer spending slowed. The Commerce Department said U.S. gross domestic product—the value of all goods and services produced across the economy—fell at a seasonally and inflation adjusted 0.3% annual rate in the first quarter. That was the first contraction since the first quarter of 2022. 

— Harriet Torry, “U.S. Economy Shrank in First Quarter as Imports Surged Ahead of Tariffs,” Wall Street Journal, April 30, 2025.

President Trump must be getting close to making major trade deals. The stock markets of the world are showing renewed signs of life after their plunge during the dual retrogrades of Mercury and Venus (”retrograde chaos” end) overlapping mid-March through April 7. This coincided with his early April “Liberation Day” announcement of dramatic new tariffs, which Bloomberg renamed “Obliteration Day.” However, by mid-April, he began walking back those stiff tariffs (except for China), announcing a 90-day pause that will come up again in early July. The markets have cheered ever since. Will they cheer as we approach closer to July?

Equity investors seem to believe the president will pull back on his next 90-day tariff threat, judging by the new 4-week high being made in most global markets. But will he? He hasn’t pulled back on threats so far before enacting them. Our call in the Forecast 2025 Book was that there would be two double-digit declines in the U.S. stock market this year, with at least one of 15-26%. The first decline into April 7 satisfied this price range. The question now (for me) is: will the next one be steeper or less steep?

In Asia and the Pacific Rim, the Australian ASX soared to a new 7-week high. Its bottom on April 7 was the lowest ASX mark since December 2023, so it’s starting to recover nicely. Japan’s Nikkei and India’s Nifty are now making 4-week highs and also recovering smartly from their multi-month lows of April 7. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index also made a new 4-week high, but its prior low was only back in December 2024. China’s Shanghai Composite exhibited a shortened inside trading week. It, too, made a multi-week low on April 7 as Mercury turned direct, and one week before, Venus did the same. It seems most equity markets made a low (or lows) around April 7 and have basically rallied since. Optimism about the future is returning, suggesting most investors believe President Trump will pull the rabbit out of the hat. But the Sun/Uranus conjunction is looming ahead on May 17, when things could go awry again. It just so happens that this same aspect, which can pertain to the concept of chaos, is also a huge factor in his natal chart.

In Europe, all four indices we track made new 4-5 week highs last week. Between April 7 and 9, each had also put in yearly lows, except the German DAX, which only fell back to its low of September 2024.

In the U.S., the DJIA, NASDAQ, and S&P all performed similarly. That is, each made a new 4-week high, which followed yearly lows made on April 7. The pattern was different in Brazil, where the Bovespa rallied into April 29 to its highest level since September 2024.

In other markets, Bitcoin also began a new cycle as of April 7-9, rising to its highest price since late February. I will have more to say about the longer-term cycles in Bitcoin in a webinar shortly, as I think the cycles picture is becoming quite clear now following our buy signal of early April.

Gold made a new all-time of 3509 the prior week, on April 22. But last week, it gave up $300, falling to a weekly low of 3209 on May 1. That’s quite a sell in one week for Gold! Silver seems to be confused as to which way it wants to go, meandering back and forth between 31.50 and 33.50. Crude Oil, on the other hand, is flashing bullish triggers with its decline to 56.39 on May 1, a successful retest (so far) of its 55.12 low made on April 9, which was its lowest price in four years. It will need to exceed 65.00 to exhibit a stronger bullish pattern. With Jupiter soon to square Neptune (its co-rulers) in mid-July, a large move up or down is indicated into this period, depending on whether prices can close above 65.00.

SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS

U.S. President Donald Trump has shifted blame to predecessor Joe Biden for the country’s economic decline, after America’s GDP shrank 0.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025.

— ABC News, “Trump Blames Biden After U.S. Economy Shrinks,” https://www.youtube.com/, May 1, 2025.

 Who are you going to believe — me or your own eyes?

— Groucho Marx

There is no shortage of news (or blame) these days, especially with President Trump at the helm and the media in constant agony from TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome), a mental bias where everything going wrong is blamed on Trump. For that matter, there is no shortage of news flashes either with the president himself or the MAGA crowd suffering from BDS (Biden Derangement Syndrome), where everything wrong in the world is due to former President Joe Biden.

Blame, or projection, is a function associated with a lower-level Gemini emotional response ( a spiritual or intellectual response, is completely different and admirable). Jupiter (exaggeration and therefore “big blame”) is currently in Gemini, which also happens to be President Trump’s Sun sign. Jupiter transiting one’s Sun sign correlates with a 12-year personal high cycle. Things usually go very well then. Therefore, he may be able to pull this self-induced crisis off after all, recusing the nation (and the world) from the chaotic drama of his first 100 days in the second term of his presidency. His gamble has been dangerous. But it can pay off if he doesn’t undermine his own plan at this stage. It’s a big “IF” you are not part of the MAGA crowd. It is certain he will pull it off successfully if you are.

Here is how I see it within the context of geocosmic studies, which is basically the universe’s way of messaging to us where we are and where we are headed. In other words, “As above, so below,” which means we are connected, like the “macro” and “micro” states of reality. We are now in the season of Taurus, the middle of spring, when things seem to be stabilizing after the raucous period of transitioning from the end of winter, or mutable Pisces, to cardinal Aries. Both the mutable and cardinal want to be active and keep moving. The difference is that the mutable wants to be acting on several fronts at once. Cardinal is focused on starting one new adventure and taking it to a height- and then leaving. But fixed signs, like Taurus, want to pause and assimilate, to think over their next move before the next mutable sign (Gemini) comes up in late May.

Thus, the excitement and drama of March and April may pause. However, looming ahead on May 17 is the Sun conjunct Uranus, a signature of disruption (even chaos, again), right as we prepare to enter the mutable sign of Gemini. In fact, this mutable sign of Gemini (starting around May 20) may be particularly wild because it starts a rather turbulent cosmic storm. Between June 9 and June 24, we enter the arena of Jupiter (exaggeration), square Saturn (doubt), and Neptune (uncertainty). It is the most prominent long-term geocosmic cycle of this year, and it midpoints right around President Trump’s birthday (June 14). That’s important because the cosmic quality of the moment at the time of one’s solar return is a portent of what is to come the next year. His next year will be the full expression of this massive geocosmic configuration. The macrocosmic signatures of chaos and turbulence meet up with the personal micro signature of chaos and disruption (and possible brilliance). And right as we head into the 90-day due date of the next tariff roll of the dice.

The best outlook here, in my opinion, is that these trade deals will be completed by May 16-19. If so, Mr. Trump will seem like a brilliant genius and a superhero for saving the planet from an economic threat/opportunity that he alone (not Biden) created. If not, expect another adventure on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride in this experiment that could make it seem like we are living in a political amusement park. And on this ride, everything that seemed like it was going up (the stock market, the economy) could suddenly reverse and turn upside down again by July. It may all depend on how able he is to not interrupt his own path towards progress with second (and third) guesses designed to outsmart his own self.

I think an investment strategy going into this period should be based on how much one believes in the president’s ability to reduce chaos, not amplify it. Unlike many outside of MAGA nation, I think his trade plan could work out, assuming he doesn’t suddenly undermine it with some new and novel twist his id wants to initiate. With all the Uranus and Neptune signatures coming up, as well as leaving the safe but temporary domain of fixed sign Taurus for mutable sign Gemini—with Uranus about to enter it—I don’t think this is the best time to gamble with the nation’s economy and OPM (other people’s money). So, although I think the plan could work out, I am not overly optimistic that he will stick to the plan of action that he has started. And as a double Capricorn, this is what worries me today and arouses doubts about the usually powerful bullish chart signals I am seeing as the month of May begins.

I may just follow the old stock market adage: “Sell in May and Go Away.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTE 1: REGISTRATION FOR THE TWO-YEAR MERRIMAN MARKET TIMING ACADEMY (MMTA4) IS NOW UNDERWAY!!! SIGN UP BY THE FIRST CUT-OFF DATE (JULY 1) AND SAVE BIG BUCKS. This highly valued two-year educational and training program, created by Raymond Merriman (CTA), is an experience that will change your life and the way you view financial markets. Yes, the course is challenging, but it is also incredibly exciting! Through this program, you will learn how to identify where the market is at any given point in time — and which trading or investing strategy to apply. ~250502

The eight-course program includes six to eight Zoom meetings per course — over 100 hours of live instruction and interaction — with instructors Wiebke Held and Raymond Merriman, along with special guest MMA analysts such as Pouyan Zolfagharnia, Gianni Di Poce, Wyatt Fellows, Derek Panaia, and Kat Powell.

The classes will meet on Saturdays, approximately 20 times per year, at noon Eastern time, starting on September 27. There are one-month breaks between each course and a two- to three-month summer break. The program also includes at least one live, in-person (or optional online) weekend session, plus a voluntary review session after each course, held prior to the exam for those wishing to receive a certificate of completion. There is nothing else as comprehensive in the field of market timing as the MMTA program! It covers MMA’s market timing methodology for long- and intermediate-term investing, as well as position trading and aggressive short-term trading.

Acceptance into the MMTA requires an interview prior to enrollment. If you are interested in exploring whether the MMTA is right for you, please let us know, and we will schedule a time to talk. To register or inquire about the MMTA4 program, click here. The cost for the entire two-year course is $25,000. A 10% discount is available for those who sign up by July 1. Other payment plans are available upon request.

Here are just a few of the many very positive reviews from graduates of the last MMTA3 program (2023-2024):

I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for generously sharing your knowledge and teaching it. As you know, I am fairly new to trading and joined MMTA3 to learn a system to approach the stock market. Starting the year, I set myself the goal of doubling the money that I had in my trading account, thinking at the time that this was impossible to do. Thanks to the knowledge and tools MMTA3 teaches, I was actually able to accomplish this goal! In fact, I even exceeded it. — W.H., Germany

 Thank you, Ray and Gianni, for the fantastic course material and support. I have made money — and every dollar for the courses was paid back and more! — J.L., Netherlands

 This course was truly mind-blowing! I learnt in abundance. Thank you all for sharing the excellent trading data and knowledge. This course is worth more than a college degree — and at a fraction of the price, too. — K.L., Australia

My perspective on the markets — and perhaps life — has changed dramatically since being gifted the privilege of joining MMTA2. I am extremely grateful for having been given the opportunity to learn directly from you. — K.M., USA

Doing these research projects and really dissecting the markets during this course has allowed me to trade very successfully over the past year. It is extremely rewarding to do the work and then watch it unfold according to plan. — W.F., USA

NOTE 2: SPECIAL SIX-WEEK COURSE ON “THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ASTROLOGY FOR FINANCIAL MARKET TIMING.” This six-week course, starting in late May, is designed to teach attendees the basic principles of planets, signs, and aspects (including retrograde and direct stations) as used in MMA’s market timing methodology — one of its most important market tools. The course will also explain which planets and signs rule various sectors of the economy and financial markets. In addition, it will cover how to use an astrological calculation program (Solar Fire) for important routines such as calculating charts and generating transit “hit lists.” This course is especially useful for those interested in taking the MMTA4 program, which begins on September 27, and who feel their astrological knowledge is at a beginner level. However, it is open to all interested participants. The instructor will be MMA market analyst Gianni Di Poce, author of the newly released book Esoteric Economics — an excellent resource on the correlation of geocosmic cycles to the study of economics and financial markets. The cost for this six-week introductory course is $300. Classes will be held online on Saturdays at noon Eastern time. Each session will be recorded and made available for download within two days of the live meeting. This is a great opportunity to learn basic astrology from a master economic astrologer! Click here for registration information!!!

NOTE 3: THE APRIL ISSUE OF THE MMA Monthly Cycles Report Plus+, edited by Pouyan Zolfagharnia, was issued last week. This market letter has become a very popular addition to the MMA Cycles Report — it’s less technical, more visual, and contains horoscopes of current importance, high-quality analysis, and updates on the markets covered in the MMA Cycles Report. The mid-month addendum covers Pouyan’s outlook on Gold, Silver, the NASDAQ, and Crude Oil. It also offers incredibly insightful commentary on global conditions from a cosmic perspective, along with stunning graphics and charts (readers love it!). It is highly readable, rich in illustrations, and includes more references to geocosmic indicators than most MMA Cycles publications. Please note: the MMA Monthly Cycles Report Plus+ is only available to subscribers of the main MMA Monthly Cycles Report. If you’d like to try this month’s addendum, along with the latest issue of the MMA Monthly Cycles Report, you can sign up online at the link above. A subscription to both reports is just $55 per month — a great deal! This gives you access to both the most recent April copy of the MMA Cycles Report and the MMA Cycles Report Plus+ addendum coming out this week. For further information and ordering instructions, please click here.

NOTE 4: THE MMA MONTHLY GRAIN REPORT BY WYATT FELLOWS WAS ALSO ISSUED LAST WEEK. With Saturn and Neptune moving toward their 36-year conjunction — a cycle historically correlated with major moves in grain prices — this is an excellent time to consider subscribing. Wyatt’s analysis has been highly accurate, and his writing style is exceptionally clear. Truly, if you are a trader of grains or a producer, this is a wonderful report to read each month. Wyatt is an exceptionally gifted analyst of Wheat, Corn, and Soybeans. To order a copy of this outstanding report, please click here.

 NOTE 5: THE “JUPITER REPORT“ — YOUR MOMENTS OF OPPORTUNITY — IS NOW AVAILABLE. This newest product, written by Raymond Merriman, is a 30- to 40-page report that all traders (and even non-traders) will find highly valuable. It identifies the times during the year when Jupiter transits are highlighted in your natal chart. It delineates the meaning of Jupiter’s transits to your natal planets and angles over a 14-month period (including one month before your order and one month after the year ends). As an added bonus, each transit is ranked on a scale from –3 to +3 in terms of favorability for trading. Traders may find this especially valuable! Would you like to know when you are under a +3 transit and, therefore, most likely to experience trading successes? Or a –3 transit with stronger-than-usual potential for misjudgments and losses? You betcha! The cost for your 14-month Jupiter Report is $69. Click here to order!!!

NOTE 6: THE MMA Solar-Lunar App now offers reversal signals on the NASDAQ to all subscribers!

The app now provides daily weighted values for four markets: the DJIA, NASDAQ, Gold, and Silver. This app is an ideal tool to have in your back pocket if you are a short-term swing trader looking for high-probability dates that identify isolated lows and highs in the DJIA, NASDAQ, Gold, and Silver markets. It is currently available only on Apple products (iPhone and iPad).

To learn more about the MMA App, click here. To order it, go to the Apple App Store and search for Merriman Solar/Lunar Reversals.

 NOTE 7: The MMA Weekly YouTube show, “Geocosmic Week in Review and Look Ahead,” with Gianni Di Poce, is conducted on Wednesday evenings! Each 5- to 20-minute FREE episode reviews the previous week’s market activity and offers a preview of the geocosmic signatures in effect for the coming week and beyond. Last week’s special guest was Joni Patry, a well-known Vedic Astrologer with an interesting outlook on Bitcoin.

NOTE 8: MMA’s Free Weekly Column Podcast Is Available on SPOTIFY, APPLE, and AMAZON! Now you can listen to a podcast of this weekly column, narrated by Thomas Miller, every Saturday! Thomas has an excellent voice and brings the weekly column to life in a personable and, at times, humorous fashion. Just follow Merriman Market Analyst on Spotify or Apple to listen to all our episodes. A new podcast episode will be released every weekend. This is a FREE service and is available to everyone. Check out our podcasts on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music. It makes for great listening!

NOTE 9: MUST READ!!! NEW BOOK ON “ESOTERIC ECONOMICS” BY GIANNI DI POCE IS OUT!!! This is an excellent book introducing the correlation between geocosmic studies and the fields of economics and financial markets. In many ways, it is the perfect book to launch one’s journey into the world of financial astrology — but it is more than that. Esoteric Economics offers a clear and accessible explanation of how economics and financial markets work, then beautifully ties each of these fields together through an esoteric lens. It is ideal not only for those beginning their journey but also for readers seeking a deeper understanding of how economics operates on both a practical and esoteric level.

Gianni Di Poce is a well-respected MMA analyst and also served as the director and lead instructor of the MMTA2 and MMTA3 (Merriman Market Timing Academy) programs from 2021 to 2024. He was personally tutored by Raymond Merriman in the MMA methodology from 2019 through 2020 in preparation for this role. Gianni also holds an MBA in Economics from the University of Michigan. The cost of this excellent 288-page book is $55 for the softcover or $60 for the hardcover (plus postage). It is also available as an eBook (no postage required). To order, click here.

EVENTS

 MAY 31, 2025: SPECIAL SIX-WEEK COURSE ON “THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ASTROLOGY FOR FINANCIAL MARKET TIMING” BEGINS. The cost is $300. For registration information, click here!

JUNE 2025: LAUNCH OF THE NEW MONTHLY MMA CYCLES CRYPTO REPORT!!! The editor will be MMTA graduate and former Bitcoin miner Jeremy Osting. This new monthly report will cover the cycles and geocosmic outlook for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP. Details will be announced shortly! Stay tuned.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2025: MMTA4 begins!!

Disclaimer and statement of purpose: The purpose of this column is not to forecast 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 of educating the reader on the relationship between astrological factors and collective human activities as they occur. In this regard, this report will often cite what happened in various stock and financial markets throughout the world in the past week and discuss those movements 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, month, or even years and the author’s understanding of how these signatures may affect human activity in the times to come. The author (Merriman) will do this from the perspective of a cycles 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 to the psychological climate we are in from an astrological perspective. The hope is that it will help the reader understand the psychological dynamics that underlie (or coincide with) the news events and their potential effect on financial markets.

No guarantee as to the accuracy of this report is being made. Any decisions in financial markets are solely the responsibility of the reader, and neither the author nor the publishers of this column assume any responsibility whatsoever for anyone’s trading or investment decisions. Readers of this report should understand that commodity futures and options trading are considered high-risk activities.