REVIEW
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said he and his colleagues remain steadfast in getting policy in line with their 2% inflation goal, but “we are not confident that we have achieved such a stance.” – Jeff Cox, “Powell Says Fed is ‘Not Confident’ It Has Done Enough to Bring Inflation Down,” www.cnbc.com, November 9, 2023.
Global stock indices continued their impressive rallies following their multi-month lows of October 23-30 in most cases. It may be related to the Sun/Mars conjunction of November 18. As discussed in several reports, global stock markets tend to fall at least 8% from their previous high when this aspect is within 8 degrees. That orb began about the time the Sun entered Scorpio on October 23.
In Europe, the Netherlands AEX index bottomed on October 23 at its lowest level in over six months. By Thursday, November 9, it rallied to its highest mark in eight weeks. The German DAX bottomed on October 27, also at its lowest price since March. By Thursday, November 9, it had rallied to a new 4-week high. The Zurich SMI Index bottomed on October 23 at its yearly low. But by Thursday, November 9, it was making a three-week high. The movement in the London FTSE was similar, with a low on October 27, but its rally was over by November 3.
In Asia and the Pacific Rim, the Australian ASX made its yearly low on October 30 but then managed a 3-week corrective rally so far into November 9. China and Hong Kong suffered a greater stock market collapse into their yearly lows of October 23 and 24, respectively. Since then, their rallies have only been corrective, with the high so far for each November 6-9. India’s NIFTY also bottomed on October 26, its lowest price since June, followed by a corrective rally into November 8. The more impressive performance in this region was Japan’s Nikkei Index, which rallied to its highest mark in 6 weeks, which followed only a modest corrective decline that ended with a double bottom on October 20 and 31.
In the Americas, all markets performed very well following their multi-month lows of October 26-31. All rallied to new highs on Friday, November 10. For Brazil’s Bovespa, this was its highest mark in 13 weeks. For the DJIA, NASDAQ, and S&P, these were their highest levels in 7-8 weeks.
The cryptos were also on fire. Bitcoin tested 38,000 for the first time since May 2022. Ethereum was also strong, posting its highest price since April 2023.
The script was different in precious metals and Crude Oil. After rallying nearly $200 from its low on October 6 to its high three weeks later, Gold gave back over $80 into Friday’s close. Silver’s selloff was not nearly so dramatic (less than $1.00 from its high of October 20), but it was weak, nonetheless. Crude Oil dropped below $75.00 last week for the first time since July 20. It is peculiar how equity markets cheered the Fed’s announcement of no rate hikes for the moment, but still possible for the future, whereas metals and Crude Oil seemed more focused on the Fed’s qualifier that inflation is not yet under control and more rate hikes could still be in the cards. The stars suggest otherwise: no rate hikes are likely while Jupiter is in Taurus, which will remain the case until May 2024. After that, when Jupiter ingresses into Gemini, I think we will see new movement in the employment reports and interest rates.
SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS AND LONGER-TERM THOUGHTS
Today, the business of politics is about monetizing anger and getting paid for it. And business has never been better. – Senator Joe Manchin, “Why I Won’t Be Seeking Re-Election to the Senate: Both Parties Have Come Under the Domination of the Extremes. I Want to Find a Better Way,” Wall Street Journal, November 10, 2023.
Let’s talk markets first, then politics.
There are a number of potent geocosmic factors in play next week that could reverse stock markets – especially if they are NOT at the beginning of new primary or even longer-term cycles, which they appear to be at the moment. First, both the Sun and Mars will be in opposition to Uranus November 11-13. On Friday, November 17, Mars will trine Neptune. Each of these has a 70% or greater historical correlation to sharp reversals within 4 trading days. Since the market is rallying, we can anticipate this will be a crest, and the overlap is Monday-Thursday.
Additionally, Mars will transit 23° Scorpio on November 14-15, which will form a T-square with the Mercury/Pluto fixed square in the NYSE chart (May 17, 1792). It will be in opposition to the NYSE Sun on November 21. Those aspects imply a sharp decline is possible for the U.S. stock market. Funding to keep the government of the U.S. open is also set to expire on November 17. Last week’s market rally suggests that investors think the shutdown will be averted. But with these potentially combative aspects in effect, it may be, at best, another close call that could at least cause a brief, sharp pullback.
Now, as far as politics go, what we see this week may be a preview of what we will see next year in terms of government dysfunction and combative rhetoric and blame. One only needs to look at the charts of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, the leading candidates for the run next year that no one wants. Well, the majority of U.S. voters do not want to see a rematch between these two veterans (putting it mildly). It opens the door for third-party (maybe fourth and fifth, too) candidates. No one is talking about it, but Robert Kennedy Jr. now has 22% percent of voter support as of November 1, according to www.Politico.com. He also has a 36% plurality of independents, according to a recent Quinnipiac University survey.
Another concern that I discuss in the forthcoming Forecast 2024 Book is that Donald Trump will have transiting Jupiter on his Sun-Uranus-Lunar North Node stellium on Election Day, which is a cosmic indicator for victory. But will he be allowed to run? At the same time (all through 2024), he also has his progressed Mars at 14° Libra on his natal Chiron (wounded), which also happens to fall on the U.S. natal Saturn. They are coming after him, and with Saturn (the government in charge), there is a good chance they will hold him accountable. At least one verdict may not be in his favor. But the U.S. progressed Mars is 17° Libra, on his natal Jupiter. His supporters are not going to sit back. They are going to react.
There is a lot more to this drama taking place as Neptune comes right to the cusp of Aries in the summer of 2024 – in fact, it turns retrograde at 29° 55’ Pisces on July 2, the day I use for the birth of the United States when the vote for independence was completed in 1776. And you know what happened the last time Neptune came to the cusp of Aries in April 1861.
I think the drama could all be avoided if both Trump and Biden chose to spend their golden years out of public office, far removed from the stress of politics that neither needs in terms of their personal well-being. And by doing so allow the country to move forward and avert an otherwise imminent stress. With Neptune being highlighted, it’s OK to wish, isn’t it? Maybe prayer would be more constructive. Maybe a spiritual practice even more so.
Q & A With Ray
Q: I get lost in the astrological relationships you are citing in the weekly free reports and when I read the FORECAST books as well…thus, in the past, I have been effectively skipping those sections to get to the meat of your messages, and they have been outstanding… I would be the first subscriber, if you had a non-astrological summary narrative of each report that you offer… As always, thank you for all you do and I am again looking forward to the 2024 FORECAST. John H, subscriber
A: Thanks, John. I appreciate your kind words and support. Offering another report that eliminated astro jargon may not be received so well, as half of our subscribers do know astrology, and that is our unique niche (expertise) in the field of market timing. But actually, our daily report does what you suggest – very little astro jargon and very clear buy and sell zones to initiate and exit positions. Our weekly analysis has more commentary using astro jargon in one paragraph for each market but also gives clear buy and sell zones for traders in the strategies section. But the longer-term reports, like the monthly reports and especially the Forecast Book, provide discussions on the correlation of planetary cycles with market cycles, which many readers who understand the astrological language do like to see. Yet, there, too, we summarize each market with signals as clearly as we possibly can, but also knowing that the longer-term the view is, the less specific we can be, as technical, cyclical, and chart patterns change during the course of a year, and even during the course of a month. Hence, we can’t be nearly as specific with our strategies here as we are in the daily and weekly reports. Thank you, John, for your question, and I hope this explains why we do what we do.
Comment: If you are interested in taking the first steps into learning the geocosmic principles in regard to financial markets, then you may wish to start with the beginning primer, Basic Principles of Geocosmic Studies by Raymond Merriman. This is available on the MMA website for $16.00.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOTE 1: THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF THE MMA Monthly Cycles Report was released last week. Each monthly MMA Cycle report covers the outlook in the U.S. Stock Market, Gold, Silver, Copper, Treasuries, Euro Currency, Crude Oil, and Soybeans. The MMA Monthly Cycles Report reviews MMA’s original geocosmic critical reversal dates (CRDs) and Solar/Lunar reversal dates over the next several weeks with trading strategies for position and aggressive traders. If you would like to try out one month of the MMA Monthly Cycles Report, you can sign up for the November Report for only $35!
NOTE 2: THE ANNUAL FORECAST 2024 BOOK IS COMING DECEMBER 15!!! Pre-publication orders can be secured by clicking here.
This will be the 48th year of publishing this popular annual astrological almanac by Raymond Merriman. Approximately 200 pages; the yearly Forecast Book projects the major social, political, mundane, and economic issues of the next year as seen through the lens of rhythmic and planetary cycle studies. This is critical at this time because 1) we are approaching the Aries Vortex in 2025-2026, which itself is the middle of the “New Aira” period of 2020-2032, and 2) the U.S. presidential election is taking place in 2024. This year’s book gives an in-depth view of this election. In addition to analysis of mundane cycles, this book also provides our outlook on the Stock Market, Gold, Silver, Copper, Bitcoin, Currencies, Crude Oil, Treasuries and Interest rates, and Grain markets. The back section contains an ephemeris and geocosmic calendar outlining planetary aspects and lunar ingresses in effect every day of every month from January 2024 through March 2025.
The retail price of the Forecast 2024 printed edition is $66, and the eBook is $55. The print edition is limited to 20% of all pre-orders received by December 1. When they sell out, they are gone. There are no reprints. This book has sold out in six of the last eight years, so order now and make sure you receive your copy of Forecast 2024!
MMA will also offer a special “bundle” discount rate for those who wish to order both the eBook and print editions of Forecast 2024. The eBook usually comes out 1-2 weeks before the print edition, and avoids delays caused by the postal system, especially if overseas. Yet many readers prefer the print edition, so ordering both via the Forecast 2024 Bundle makes sense. You will receive the eBook on December 15th, and your Print copy will be mailed mid-December. The cost of the bundle is $86.00, which is a savings of $35.00.
This year’s printed and eBook versions will also be available in these languages:
German: www.mma-europe.ch/ or email at info@mma-europe.ch
Japanese: https://www.toushinippou.co.jp/
Chinese: www.nodoor.com/
For more information on this year’s Forecast Book, please view our recent YouTube Video Interview with Ray and Alie at the Merriman Market Analyst YouTube channel, or by clicking here.
We created an updated list of our most common Forecast FAQs to help this Forecast season.
The Forecast 2023 Scorecard of the Forecast 2023 Book can now be viewed by clicking here.
NOTE 3: THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF THE MMA Monthly ETF Report by Gianni Di Poce will be issued this week. Many have asked about a monthly report on Bitcoin, and the Monthly ETF Report does this via BITO, the ETF on Bitcoin. Written by MMA market analyst Gianni Di Poce, the ETF is a monthly newsletter that everyone trading ETFs is encouraged to read, especially those that seek less risky trading venues than futures. This report covers 8 ETFs on a monthly basis for readers. The ETFs include: SPY (S&P 500), GDX (gold miners), BITO (Bitcoin), TLT (+20-year Treasuries), USO (Crude Oil), XLV (healthcare), XLK (technology), and XHB (homebuilders). This is a report that was requested by popular demand, and Gianni’s insights and strategies are excellent. For further information, click here.
NOTE 4: SPECIAL “INTRODUCTION TO OPTIONS” WORKSHOP, December 10. On September 30 and October 7, veteran options trader and MMTA student Derek Panaia gave a presentation to MMTA students on how to use options and option spreads to trade big moves in Gold as suggested by MMA market timing methods. The strategies presented during these two presentations resulted in gains exceeding 500% in less than 2 weeks. By popular demand, the students have requested a full three-hour Zoom workshop on his methods, and MMA will sponsor this workshop on Sunday, December 10, open to all readers of MMA reports and this column.
In this workshop, Derek will discuss the nature of options, terminology, and calculations of Delta and other Greeks to determine the best value options to trade at the given time. He will also cover simple option strategies with limited risks, like bull and bear spreads when large price moves are anticipated. His strategy to buy Gold calls and bull option spreads in early October has already resulted in exceptional profits for MMTA students. He will revisit this trade and discuss new strategies in other markets that look attractive for options trading in early December. The cost will be $195.00 if registered before December 1, and $250 afterwards. Registration for this workshop is now open. Click here for more information and registration.
NOTE 5: THE MMA WEEKLY YouTube show, Geocosmic Week in Review and Look Ahead, with Gianni Di Poce, is now conducted on Wednesday evenings! Each 5-15 minute FREE episode reviews the market activity of the past week and offers a preview of the geocosmic signatures in effect for the next week and beyond. You may subscribe to MMA’s YouTube Channel today at no cost and get alerted when a new weekly episode is released!
NOTE 6: MMA’S FREE WEEKLY COLUMN IS NOW ON SPOTIFY, APPLE, AND AMAZON PODCAST! Now you can listen to a podcast of this weekly column by Thomas Miller on Saturdays! Just follow Merriman Market Analyst on Spotify or Apple to listen to all our episodes. New Podcast episodes will be released every weekend. This is a FREE service and is available to everyone. Checkout out our Podcasts on Apple, Spotify, and Apple Music. It makes for great listening!
EVENTS
December 10, 2023: SPECIAL “INTRODUCTION TO OPTIONS” WORKSHOP. The cost will be $195.00 if registered before December 1, and $250 afterwards. Click here for more information and registration.
January 12, 2024. “Trends for 2024,” sponsored by AstroData of Zurich, Switzerland. Speakers to be announced shortly, but will include Ray Merriman giving his outlook on 2024. This event is in German, and Merriman’s presentation will be translated from English to German. For further information, contact www.AstroData.com.
February 18, 2024, MMA’s Annual Forecast 2024 World Webinar. Details and reservations will be opened after January 1. Save the Date!
April 20, 2024: “FORECASTS 2024 AND THE APPROCHING ARIES VORTEX,” Nova Southwestern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, with Ray Merriman. An in-person event and workshop, 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM with a 90-minute lunch break. Cost $95.00. This event will not be broadcast via Zoom, but recordings will be made available for sale a few days afterwards. For further information and registration, please click here.
September 19-22, 2024: SAVE THE DATES!!! This will be the next MMA Investment Retreat! Negotiations are currently underway to bring this exciting gathering to a destination location in Europe for the first time since 2015. Once the agreement with the hotel is finalized, we will make a formal announcement, but for now… SAVE THE DATES! You won’t want to miss this chance to meet with the top MMA Analysts (and others to be invited) live and hear their strategies for long-term investments and wealth building ideas using MMA market timing methods. There is nothing quite like a life altering MMA Investment Retreat!
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 to educate the reader on the relationship between astrological factors and collective human activities as they are happening. 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 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 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 as 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 here. 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.