NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO WEEKLY COLUMN NEXT WEEK. We will return January 3. From all of us at MMA, to all of you from around the world, thank you for your support of this weekly column for the past 21 years. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season, and a most prosperous and Happy New Year! It’s going to be a big year in terms of the cosmic patterns. Three conjunctions of the outer planets in Capricorn! As outlined in the Forecast 2020 book, it’s a year for Heroes and Villains. Be brave and honest, and choose your actions with a sense of their consequences, as a hero would.
REVIEW AND PREVIEW
Markets are shrugging off the impeachment of President Donald Trump because he is not expected to be removed from office, and there should be no negative impacts on fiscal or monetary policy as a result. Investors have instead focused on recent positive developments, like the trade agreement being worked out between the Trump administration and China, which should stop some strains on the economy and earnings. “Trump needed his victories. He’s got NAFTA, we got a China deal, and we got a budget. He got all these victories while he was under impeachment,” said Daniel Clifton, head of policy research at Strategas.- Patti Domm, “Here is Why the Stock Market is Ignoring Trump’s Impeachment by the House,” www.cnbc.com, December 19, 2019.
The three-month House inquiry has failed to build majority support among Americans for or against impeaching President Trump, leaving the nation evenly divided, 48% to 48%, on whether to remove the president from office, a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds. Among independents, 50% support impeachment and removal, while 44% oppose it. – Aaron Zitner, “Americans Evenly Divided on Trump Removal, WSJ/NBC News Poll Finds,” www.wsj.com, December 18, 2019.
Last week was a perfect example of interplay between the positive Jupiter transits in effect through December 27, and the much harsher 32-37-year Saturn/Pluto conjunction aspect that will take place on January 12, but whose orb of influence is in force 11 months either side.
The week started off with the glow of trade agreements reached between the U.S. and China, and then the House-approved USMCA trade deal between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The middle of the week also witnessed the historic impeachment of President Donald Trump by the U.S. House of Representatives for only the third time in U/S. history in a partisan political battle. But the stock market did not care about the political strife. It was focused on the historical week of trade deals that opened up a whole new world of economic opportunities for growth via trade (Jupiter). And on that note, the U.S. stock market continued to break to new all-time highs, carrying many other global equity markets upward with it.
On this count, it is hard to argue with the success of President Trump’s handling of the economy. He closed annoying trade tensions that worried markets and corporations, consistent with Jupiter trine Uranus on December 15 and the Sun translating this favorable trine December 23-27. Conventional wisdom suggests that people vote according to their economic sense of well-being. That’s not entirely true as new polls suggest he is not gaining much traction in his favorability ratings, still below 50%. It appears that half of Americans may vote according to the size of their pocketbook. The other half votes on the basis of character, and this is where the president continues to fall short. This accounts for the even split of Americans who want him to remain in office and those who want him removed.
It is interesting that more Independents want him removed. Will he be removed? Probably not, as it will require 2/3 of the Senate to vote for removal. With a 53-47 majority, the Republicans are not likely to break ranks heading into an election, and it is clear this is a partisan battle. However, President Trump is under powerful transits from Pluto and Neptune during the next two years. Pluto, which pertains to threats to one’s power, will be in opposition to his natal Venus and Saturn. Venus is associated with love and popularity, while Saturn relates to one ‘s position and authority. Neither appears about to improve, especially after June through the election, when Mars will transit through Aries making this into a warlike cardinal T-square.
At the same time, transiting Neptune is making a T-square to the President’s natal Sun/Uranus conjunction, which opposes his natal Moon (he was born under a lunar eclipse involving Uranus – he is “different”, as is often the case with strong Uranian charts. If people think he has been behaving bizarrely and “inappropriately” (hence the “character” issue with the populace), they ain’t seen nothing yet. He’s not about to “normalize” as a result of the impeachment vote. Probably, to the contrary. To some, he may be about to become more “entertaining,” even less constrained. But such behavior may actually bring him closer to being removed, for Pluto is also the planet of “removal from power.” Most analysts think that the longer this drags out, the more it hurts Democrats and favors Trump. My understanding of astrology, and the fact that Pluto in Capricorn (judgement) gets more powerful in his chart as we near the election, suggests the opposite. And do not forget that the reason the Democrats won so may new seats in the House in the 2018 election was because those newly elected Dems opposed the President, and many said they would work towards his impeachment. They delivered what they promised to do if elected. It is naive (Neptunian) for Republicans to think that those same voters will now punish those representatives for doing what they were voted in to do. When Pluto hits you like it is hitting the President, you usually encounter a reality you never thought you would have to deal with in life, and approaching it the same way you have approached matters all of your life will no longer work. Getting out of this requires some kind of personal transformation in values, beliefs, and/or behaviors. If this is not done willingly, then change is often forced upon you and your life is transformed unwillingly. A Pluto transit, especially to Saturn, is a solemn period in one’s life, one way or the other. Things are no longer the same and things don’t work the same as before for you.
SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS AND LONGER-TERM THOUGHTS
Our readers are concerned about the financial markets ahead more than anything else. So, let me give a holiday gift to readers – a quick overview on how I see the U.S. and world stock markets in 2020. For more elaborate details, please refer to the Forecast 2020 Book, which covers the geocosmic and cyclical patterns that are now in effect through the next 1-3 years.
I find it very interesting that the all-time high of October 3, 2018, was followed by that 19% decline into December 26-27, 2018. This year, October 3, 2019, was a primary cycle low, and here we are making new all-time highs as we approach December 26-27, 2019. The pattern is exactly the opposite from last year’s – so far.
Most stock markets of the world exhibit a 15-18 month cycle, with an orb of three months. In the U.S., it is a 15.5-month cycle (range 13-18 months). This is a 1/3 phase of the greater 4-year cycle, which bottomed one year ago, December 26-27, 2018. Other world indices, as in Europe, have a 3-year cycle that breaks down into two 18-month phases. This 3-year cycle also bottomed December 26-27, 2018 (same in Japan, and one week later in China). A simple calculation shows that the next 15.5-month cycle in the U.S. stock market is due April 2020 +/- 3 months, whereas in Europe it is due June 2020 +/- 3 months. During that time, Venus will turn retrograde (May 13-June 25). This would be a very good time to buy global stock markets if indeed they are falling. The decline is likely to be greater than any decline experienced in 2019, but not as great as the decline into December 26-27, 2018. In the U.S., the greatest decline in 2019 was 7.5%. The decline into December 26, 2018 was over 19%. Thus, the decline in U.S. stocks is forecast to be 8-19%, to a low due April 2020, +/- 3 months.
Following that low, studies related to the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction on December 21, 2020 correlate with a crest +/- 5 months. At this point, it is indeterminable if that high will be greater or less than the high of the first part of the year. However, once that second high is completed,the Saturn/Uranus waning square of 2021 suggests that the market will decline sharply to its 6.5-year cycle low, ideally due 2021-2023.
This is our road map for the next year. We hope that you will find this to be a useful guide in your investment planning. After all, the secret to success under the powerful Capricorn conjunctions of 2020 is “planning.” It is one of creation’s greatest gifts to humanity, and astrology is one of the greatest tools to assist in one’s planning. And of course, these projections will be refined and narrowed as the year progresses through our daily, weekly, and monthly reports, based on the patterns that unfold within each of these cycles.
With these thoughts, may each and everyone one of you have a joyful holiday season. See you next year!
HOLIDAY PUBLICATION SCHEDULE
MMA will take a holiday vacation. There will be no subscription reports or columns written after December 23, until January 3. Have fun! With all this Jupiter energy in effect through December 27, there is no reason why we should not enjoy this season. However, you may have to be careful of having too much fun. Jupiter oftentimes has difficulty knowing its boundaries, or the boundaries of others. But with common sense and a little respect for others, the promise for a great holiday season is possible for businesses and individuals alike. It may actually feel like we are working in harmony with one another, that we recognize those things that connect us with one another, rather than those things that set us apart. Except possibly impeachment. Enjoy this Jupiterian holiday season!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOTE 1: The ICR (International Cycles Reports) from MMA was issued last week, December 17-18. The ICR Financials included analysis on ASX (Australian Stock Index), RUT (Russell 2000), SSE (Chinese Shanghai Stock Composite), HSI (Hang Seng Index), AUD (Australian Dollar), DXY (US Dollar), and GBP (British Pound). The ICR Commodities Report included analysis of LC (Live Cattle), MJ (Cannabis), XAU (Gold and Silver), KT (Coffee), KA (Sugar), C (Corn), and W (Wheat). These reports are written by MMA Analyst and editor Mark Shyterman (metals, stock indices, and soft commodities), MMA Analyst Raymond Merriman (China markets), MMA Analyst Ulric Aspegren (Currencies), Isabella Suleymanov (Grains), and Massimo Moras (Live Cattle and Hang Seng).
NOTE 2: SPECIAL ANNUAL REPORTS ON JAPANESE, CHINESE AND GERMAN STOCK INDICES FROM MMA. This year’s English edition of the Forecast 2020 Book is 250 pages, our largest ever. We think readers will be pleased with additional analysis on the three synodic cycles that will be in effect in 2020, something that has not happened in over 130 years. The correlation of these cycles to mundane, political, and economic events is fascinating, especially the research on the longest of these planetary cycles beginning this year: the 32-37 year Saturn/Pluto conjunction. It is unlikely you will find a more complete examination and explanation of the Saturn/Pluto conjunction taking place on January 12, 2020, than you will find in Forecast 2020.
In addition to the English edition of Forecast 2020, Raymond Merriman has written three special 9-page yearly market reports/forecasts for the Japanese Nikkei, Chinese Shanghai Composite, and the German DAX stock indices. Each of these is translated and printed in its respective Japanese, Chinese, and German book editions of Forecast 2020.
Many of our English readers and global investors may find these reports to be of special interest too. Therefore, we will make each of these reports available for purchase for $30 apiece. They are written in English and analyze each of these markets from the perspective of their long- and intermediate-term cycles, as well as citing their correlations to planetary cycles in effect in 2020, such as the history of the three major synodic cycles that will unfold next year.
If you are interested in ordering either of these three special reports on the 2020 outlook for the Nikkei, Shanghai Composite, or German DAX, please visit our Special Annual Report shop.
NOTE 3: The Forecast 2020 Book is now printed and distribution began last Monday, December 16th, to those who have pre-ordered. As always, we print an additional 10% of books to the number of orders received by the end of the pre-publication period. This year’s printing looks like it will sell out again, so if you wish a copy of this year’s book, please order before they are gone. The cost is $55.00 plus postage for the printed edition (no postage for the eBook edition). Order both an eBook and print book (Forecast 2020 Bundle) for only $75!
This year’s Forecast Book will cover: The Saturn/Pluto 32-37 year cycle, the Jupiter./Saturn 20- and 200- and 800-year cycle, and the 13-year Jupiter/Pluto cycle, and their correspondence to historical events that relate top themes present in today’s world. Also covered will be The USA and the 2020 Presidential Election, the potential for the next financial crisis, and the outlook for financial markets in 2020, including interest rates, treasuries, stock market, Gold and Silver, currencies (U.S. Dollar, Dollar/Yen, Swiss Franc, Euro, and British Pound), Crude Oil, Grains, Bitcoin, and Live Cattle. This will be the largest Forecast Book ever written- over 250 pages! Order now before they are gone.
This year’s printed version of Forecast 2020 will also be available in four other languages, as follows:
Italian: https://ilmiolibro.kataweb.it/utenti/79533/market-timing/
German: www.mma-europe.ch/
Japanese: https://www.toushinippou.co.jp/
Chinese: www.nodoor.com/
EVENTS
January 12, 2020: The Saturn/Pluto Conference: “Reset Astrology: Start of a New Era,” Zurich, Switzerland, featuring Claude Weiss, Monica Kissling, Verna Bachmann, Alexandra Klinghammer, Klemens Ludwig, Markus Jehle, Dr. Christof Niederwieser, and Raymond Merriman. For more information, visit https://www.astro2020.ch. Looking forward to seeing many of you there!
February 8, 2020: MMA’s Forecast 2020 live webinar will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020. In the comfort of your own home or office, you can tune into Raymond Merriman’s annual worldwide Forecast 2020 Webinar. This broadcast will address subjects from next year’s Forecast 2020 Book, with updates on financial markets since the book was written in November 2019. Outlooks for the U.S. stock market, Gold and Silver, crude oil, and currencies will be discussed. Cost is $55.00 and includes the slides of the presentation, plus a downloadable video recording of the event. If unable to attend live, you can still sign up, as everyone who orders the Webinar will receive the slides and video recording, following the live event.
September 9-14, 2020: The ISAR 2020 Conference on “Re-imagining the Future.” The largest and most exciting international astrological conference taking place in 2020. With a faculty of over 100 of the world’s top astrologers from 25 different countries, and very dynamic tracks on Financial Astrology, Mundane and Political Astrology, and other topics, this is an event you will not want to miss. On Wednesday, September 9, I (Ray Merriman) will be conducting a 4-hour workshop on “Astrology and the Art of Financial Market Timing: How to Forecast Market Trends and Market Reversals.” This course will provide research studies showing the correlation of astrological factors to short- and longer-term financial market timing in stock markets, precious metals, and Bitcoin. It is the only workshop I plan to conduct in 2020. Saturday, September 12, I will be presenting a lecture on “The Times, They Are a Changin’ – The Political, Economic, and Monetary Revolution.” It’s not just the convergence of the 20-, 200-, and 800-year long-term Jupiter/Saturn cycles. It is also Saturn in Aquarius, squaring its ruler, Uranus, in Taurus. The convergence of the Jupiter/Saturn cycles in air sign Aquarius symbolizes the dawn of a new socio-economic-political era; the waning Saturn/Uranus square, the demise of an older order. What does this bode for financial markets of the world, and what can you do? We will discuss that in this lecture.
To register or see more information on this spectacular event, go to https://isar2020.org and be prepared to be amazed!
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 a 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 hence potentially affect 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.