MMA FREE WEEKLY COLUMN FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING OCTOBER 6, 2025

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 “Today is U.S. employment report Friday—except it is not, because of the impenetrable fog of the U.S. government shutdown. As low fear of unemployment is a crucial line of defense keeping the U.S. from recession, this is frustrating. Shutdowns usually redistribute economic activity between time periods—what is lost today is paid back tomorrow. There are some costs (closed national parks tend not to get economic payback). However, this benign position depends on government employees getting back pay. If employees are fired rather than furloughed, what is lost today is not paid back tomorrow, and growth is more seriously hurt.”

— Paul Donovan, “Not Employment Report Friday,” UBS Morning Audio Comment / UBS On-Air, October 3, 2025.

“Trust? Gentlemen, you seem to have forgotten that our chosen career is politics.”

— Thaddeus Stevens (portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones), Lincoln, directed by Steven Spielberg (2012)

The U.S. government shuts down, and the U.S. stock market loves it for now.

U.S. equity markets soared to new all-time highs on Friday, the third day of the government shutdown. New all-time highs were also recorded in Gold, with Bitcoin and Silver closing in on doing the same. This is not surprising, given our recent special reports and webinar on Bitcoin and Gold, which called for new all-time highs for each in October. This forecast was related to two important geocosmic factors: 1) Mars in Scorpio, which has historical relevance to sharp rallies in Gold, and 2) Bitcoin‘s 4-year market cycle and post-halving event, which identified a new all-time high due between August-November 2025.

In other nations, it was a mixed bag for stock indices in Asia and the Pacific Rim. Australia’s ASX index ended the week testing its all-time high (ATH) made on August 25, while China’s Shanghai Composite was closed for much of its holiday week but did trade last Monday with a high of 3888, just 12 points off its 10-year high made on September 18. The Hang Seng of Hong Kong rallied to 27,281 on October 2, its highest mark in over four years. Japan’s Nikkei index closed within striking distance of its recent ATH made on September 19, our last three-star geocosmic critical reversal date (CRD). India’s Nifty rallied into the end of the week after posting a major cycle low on September 30.

In Europe, like the U.S., it was a good week for equities. The Amsterdam AEX and London FTSE both recorded new all-time highs late last week, while the Zurich SMI came close to its record set in March 2025, finishing within 6% of its peak. Germany’s DAX also came close but fell a little short. Thus, the bullish trend to most world stock indices continued in the absence of any reversal signatures of planets in aspect or station, as well as the apparently good news for their future prospects with the U.S. government shutting down and (temporarily) saving a lot of money without regard to the fact that until it reopens, this means less aggregate consumer spending power.

Short-Term Geocosmics and Longer-Term Thoughts

 U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas a deadline that an agreement must be reached by 18:00 Washington time (22:00 GMT) on Sunday. “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.”

— Donald Trump, Truth Social post, quoted in Kathryn Armstrong, “Trump Gives Hamas Sunday Deadline to Accept Gaza Peace Plan,” BBC News, October 3, 2025

 “Sources confirmed (Secretary of War Pete) Hegseth will begin weeding out physically weaker soldiers starting this week. Female soldiers will be required to do everything male soldiers can do, like a few pushups. ‘What is a pushup?’ asked one female soldier. ‘Why should we be expected to do those? This is just like Hitler.’ At publishing time, there were only 3 females remaining in the military.”

— “Sexist Pete Hegseth Demands Women Be Equal To Men,” The Babylon Bee (satirical), www.babylonbee.com/news, October 2, 2025

Last week’s geocosmic climate was more of a market trend-resumption pattern rather than a reversal. That is, trend resumptions are related to planets in certain signs, whereas reversals reflect strong planetary aspects or stations.

Mars is now nearing the end of its first decanate (10 degrees) of Scorpio, a sign that often coincides with geopolitical and economic tensions, such as a government shutdown related to budget and debt matters, where each side threatens, but neither budge to show signs of compromise. This may also be the case with the new plan to end the fighting in Gaza, which requires Hamas to dismantle and move out as Gaza starts to rebuild. Hamas has until Sunday to cooperate with these demands or else “… all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.” Will Hamas agree? Probably not to everything as it approaches a Full Moon in Aries, a sign that may be looking for a fight. Another classic sign of resisting demands will be Mercury joining the fixed sign crowd by entering Scorpio that day.

Will all hell break loose as threatened by President Trump? Probably, because when threats like that are made with Scorpio highlighted, people don’t usually back down. This may be even more true given that October 6 is a special full moon. This Full Moon on Monday evening, eastern time, is also known as the “Hunter’s Moon” as it is tied to the hunting season. Its traditional nickname is “blood moon” (not to be confused with the Lunar Eclipse “Blood Moon”), because of the reddish autumn leaves, which are symbolic of an animal’s blood. For those living in the U.S., it should present a spectacular night sky where there are no clouds obstructing the sight.

Returning to the transit of Mars, we also note its passage from Scorpio through Capricorn often coincided with wars or threats of war involving Israel and its neighbors. Mars will be in this sector through the end of January, so it is unlikely that peace and a total surrender will happen as quickly as Sunday. Yet these types of intense geopolitical tensions and events fit well with the rally in Gold and Silver, so often seen with Mars in Scorpio. In fact, this makes 26 of 29 cases where Gold has rallied sharply with Mars in Scorpio, according to the latest research by MMA Gold analyst Wyatt Fellows.

The current Middle Eastern mundane events and powerful rallies in precious metals may get a second thrust as the wild Heliocentric Mercury moves into Sagittarius late Friday night and early Saturday. Historically, this ingress has approximately a 75% rate of frequency to a rally in Gold that results in a peak from October 7-16. This might also be a strong timing indicator for a high in Bitcoin as well.

When helio Mercury moves into Capricorn on October 15, these markets usually change directions and head south, if they don’t start their reversal within the week before. Also, Venus enters its ruling sign of Libra on October 13, an ingress period that is usually favorable for stocks but not so much for Silver.

October 13-15 would also be just in time for the next gathering of planetary aspects and stations that occur October 13-20. Along the way, pay attention to next Friday, October 10, when the volatile Moon in Gemini starts. It will be one of those solar-lunar, air-air, combos that often coincide with reversals in precious metals (and other markets).

Pay attention to your internal risk-averse psychological signals over these next few days. They won’t bang a gong to announce they are reversing when the dominoes begin to topple (read: when stop-losses on the overbought crowd begin to get hit). Think: is it better to get out early with a profit or risk waiting too long to take a profit at the end of a cycle and getting caught in the stampede to get out once the downturn gets underway? Markets come down much faster than they go up. Same with life.

As one businessperson stated when asked how he went bankrupt: “Slowly at first. Then fast.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 NOTE 1: IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! The ANNUAL MMA FORECAST 2026 PRE-PUBLICATION SALE is now underway through October 31 and features our once-a-year discounts on both the annual Forecast Book and MMA subscription reports. Become a subscriber today for as little as $35 to secure the best price available. Check out this video to learn how to lock in the lowest price on Forecast 2026 by becoming a subscriber this month!

During this pre-order period, the Forecast 2026 print edition is available at the discounted price of $55, and the eBook version at $45. And the best deal on MMA subscription reports is also offered at this time! Save 10% on any subscription of $275 or more with the purchase of Forecast 2026. After the pre-publication period ends on November 1, the retail price of the Forecast 2026 print edition will increase to $66, and the eBook to $55. Subscription reports will also return to their regular prices. Order now and save big bucks!

MMA is also offering a special bundle discount for those who wish to order both the eBook and printed editions of Forecast 2026 for $75. The eBook typically becomes available one to two weeks before the print edition and avoids delays caused by the postal system — especially for those living overseas. However, many readers prefer the print edition, so ordering both through the Forecast 2026 Bundle makes sense. You will receive the Forecast 2026 eBook on December 15, and your print copy will be mailed in mid-December.

MMA’s annual Forecast Book is a cycles- and astrology-themed almanac that has served students of cycles and markets since 1976. It provides a cyclical outlook on collective world psychology, the national economy, geopolitical developments, sociocultural trends, and the timing of potential weather and natural disasters — as well as financial market projections for the U.S. stock market, U.S. Treasury market, interest rates, Gold and Silver, currencies (the Euro, U.S. Dollar, Swiss Franc, and Japanese Yen), Bitcoin, Crude Oil, and Grain markets (Corn, Wheat, and Soybeans). A scorecard of the 2025 forecasts is posted on the MMA website as of August 27. Of note is that the eight critical reversal dates (CRDs) for the U.S. stock market, and nine CRDs for the Soybean market, have all been accurate within three trading days — most within just one day!

The print version of the book is approximately 225 pages, 8.5″ × 11″, including several charts, and has set the standard for all astrological almanacs over the past 50 years.

The pre-publication ordering period just began mid-August, and one of the first orders we received came with this note of gratitude:

I ordered the Forecast 2026 book — this time in print — as I would like to have this 50th edition as a souvenir to remind me of the great insights I’ve received since reading your analysis and, more importantly for me, your view on life. — R.D., Netherlands

To pre-order this year’s special 50th-year edition, click here.

NOTE 2: RECORDINGS OF MMA’S SPECIAL SIX-WEEK COURSE ON “THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF GEOCOSMIC STUDIES FOR FINANCIAL MARKET TIMING” ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!! Led by Gianni Di Poce and supported by Ray Merriman, this course is designed to teach students 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 tools. The course explains which planets and signs rule the various sectors of the economy and financial markets. In addition, it covers how to use an ephemeris and astrological software (Solar Fire) for important routines such as calculating charts, generating transit “hit lists,” and identifying signs, ingresses, planetary stations, and aspects — the essential cosmic features necessary for determining market reversal periods.

The course is especially useful for those interested in taking the MMTA4 program, which began on September 27, or for anyone wishing to deepen their astrological knowledge. The cost for these six introductory lessons, each lasting about two hours, is $300. This is a great opportunity to learn basic astrology from a master economic astrologer! Click here to order now!

 NOTE 3: SPECIAL ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SALE COMING UP ON THE JUPITER REPORT — YOUR MOMENTS OF OPPORTUNITY! The Jupiter Report was first introduced one year ago, in late September 2024. If you were one of the first to order then, it is time to update your outlook for the next year. The cost of your 14-month Jupiter Report is $69. However, starting next week, we will launch a special one-year anniversary sale at $55 (a 21.5% discount) for those who order their next 14-month Jupiter Report. Stay tuned for this special announcement and offer, which will be sent out to everyone on our free weekly column distribution list. If you are not on our weekly column distribution list and wish to receive this special offer, go to our website at www.mmacycles.com and sign up!

The Jupiter Report is written by Raymond Merriman. It 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 and explains the meaning of Jupiter’s transits to your natal planets and angles over a 14-month period (including one month before your order date 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 success? Or a –3 transit, with a stronger-than-usual potential for misjudgments and losses?

The Jupiter Report will also make an excellent holiday or birthday gift. So, stay tuned for this special announcement coming your way this week from MMA!

 Here is a recent letter from our options expert, Derek Panaia, to the Options+ group, which closed out exceptional gains on five option trades presented in the July 13 webinar:

On a side note, I started using MMA’s Jupiter Report this year, so I only have a few months of history with it. But my first positive Jupiter aspects came in March/April this year. I was trading copper and had made a nice long trade, and started buying puts for a dip. The puts did nothing for a week or so, then copper prices collapsed, and my puts went up sharply in one week. This started exactly on the same day my Jupiter Report showed a positive aspect. Well, fast forward a few months, and I have copper put spreads (the same put spreads you guys bought), and yesterday copper prices collapsed, and the puts made a lot of money. And guess what? This was one day before my Jupiter aspects started positive again. For me, it is amazing how accurate this report has been. I just wanted to share this, FWIW. The Jupiter Report from MMA is not very expensive, so if you guys use astrology in your trading, you might want to check it out.

 NOTE 4: THE MMA SOLAR-LUNAR APP NOW OFFERS REVERSAL SIGNALS FOR THE DJIA, NASDAQ, GOLD, AND SILVER. It 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 these markets. The app is currently available only on Apple devices (iPhone and iPad). To learn more about the MMA app, click here. To order, go to the Apple App Store and search for Merriman Solar/Lunar Reversals.

 EVENTS

 NOVEMBER 23, 2025: OPTIONS WEBINAR WITH DEREK PANAIA AND GUESTS, NOON EST. Stay tuned for details coming in mid-October. For now, save the date! A new subscription service to Derek’s “Options Plus” group will begin right after that webinar for those who are serious about options trading.

Disclaimer and proper use of this information: Futures and options trading involve the risk of large losses as well as large gains.

 The information provided herein is offered with sincere intent and is based on MMA’s original research studies and methodologies. These reports are provided primarily for “speculators.” By its very nature, “speculation” means “willingness to accept the risk of loss.” Speculators must recognize that losing trades are inevitable—often more frequent than for “investors.” That is why they are called “speculators.”

 Profitability in speculation is achieved less through a high percentage of winning trades and more through risk management. By controlling the size of losses on any given trade, a speculator ensures that the average gain on winning trades significantly outweighs the average loss on losing trades.

 MMA’s comments, strategies, and data are provided as guidelines for traders for each day and/or week. These comments and strategies are based on intraday and intraweek highs, lows, and closing prices at the end of the day or week. Traders are advised to use them only as guidelines and to rely on intraday analysis to establish positions in the indicated directions, provided those support and resistance (entry) areas also appear favorable according to intraday analysis. Support and resistance are areas for day traders to consider when buying or selling intraday. No guarantees of accuracy are made.

 Support may represent favorable risk/reward levels for buying if the trend is up. If prices trade below support but then close back above it, this is considered a bullish “trigger” and often signals a good buying opportunity. If prices trade above resistance but then have a weekly close back below it, this is considered a bearish “trigger” and often signals a good selling opportunity.

 By signing up for these reports, the reader agrees that he or she is solely responsible for any actions taken in the markets, and that neither the author, publisher, analyst, nor any person associated with MMA assumes any responsibility whatsoever for the reader’s decisions.