Friday, July 15, 2011

Worrisome signs for debt, deficits & markets: Raymond Merriman's comments for 7/18/11 week

Friends, I have the creepy feeling the markets would be higher if our political leaders had worked out a viable solution on our debts and deficits. Raymond Merriman is forecasting where he sees all this headed. So read on for his unique blend of financial astrology with cycles-based analysis. These weekly public preview comments are in addition to his more detailed subscription services referenced in his announcements section and at his website. He also discusses other countries' markets, economy, and even the political climate, bonds, currencies and commodities. He also offers detailed paid subscription services (daily, weekly and monthly available, at his website always at the right side of the page here). Here are Ray's comments for the upcoming week, from his site at Merriman Market Analyst - MMA Cycles Weekly Preview Comments:
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MMA Comments for the Week Beginning July 18, 2011
Written by Raymond Merriman


This week's headlines (www.cnbc.com) sent chills to stock markets throughout the world: "Ratings agencies Moody's and Standard & Poor's have signaled they may cut the gold-plated U.S. credit rating if the borrowing limit is not raised and bills are not paid." It is a classic manifestation of Pluto in Capricorn still being besieged by Uranus and Saturn. It is classic example of the type of economic and political woes that leading nations of the world encounter during the waning phase of the Saturn-Pluto cycle (2001-2020). It is the type of economic climate that leads investors to run away from stocks and into commodities like Gold and Silver.

As you might expect from those headlines, stocks fell across the globe last week, while Gold, Silver, and Crude Oil rallied. In fact, Gold made another new all-time high last week. Which makes you wonder why Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, in his testimony before Congress this week, said "No," when asked by Congressman Ron Paul, "Is Gold money?" If you think Gold is not money check out what places like Amsterdam Gold and Credit Suisse are now doing. Gold IS becoming real money again.

Short-Term Geocosmics

I am worried. Of course, being a Capricorn, I amsupposed to be worried about something all the time. But here we are on the precipice of another Financial Armageddon, and the picture in the heavens look, well… worrisome.

As the due date for the USA debt ceiling limit looms ahead in just two weeks, we are marching right into a geocosmic time band that suggests the possibility of chaos and hysteria. I say "possibility" because I am a great believer that the outcome of almost anything has as much to do with choices to be made as it does with the position of planets relative to one another and the Earth, which I consider to be "God's handwriting on the walls of the universe." So what does the letter say to a Financial Astrologer? What is the message from the cosmos?

The first message has to do with heliocentric Mercury entering Sagittarius, July 19-31. Mercury has to do with communications. Sagittarius has to do with expansion, exaggeration, excess, and over-reaching. Does this describe the words we hear on the news every day now? Sure, Sagittarius can also be hopeful, and one needs hope to in order to experience a state of happiness and joy. That's why Sagittarius is usually such a "fun" sign to experience. We go out, socialize, spend a lot of money, drink … and then comes the next day's hangover. It's the movement of Sagittarius (indulgence) to Capricorn (sobriety and withdrawal). Traders like Sagittarius because it also correlates with large price moves, especially in commodities like Gold and Silver. But what causes the big price moves in commodities? Usually an exaggeration of something that is not quite right in the world, like an impending default on your credit. Thus everyday in which an agreement on the debt ceiling limit is not forthcoming, the hysteria will likely increase, reflected proportionately in the size of the moves up in commodities and down in equities. Of course, there is the possibility that an agreement could be made, in which case the opposite happens in large price swings: stocks go sharply up and commodities come sharply down. There is a lot of money to be made now, but only if your timing is stellar.

But let's assume an agreement is not forthcoming by July 31. The next aspect is the Sun in the proud (and sometimes arrogant) sign of Leo, square Jupiter (exaggeration again) in Taurus, the money sign. Whatever concerns were present on July 31 are doubled on August 1: joy or hysteria? But then on August 2, the "due date," Mercury starts its retrograde motion, which lasts through August 26. That is a time to pause, reflect, research, and discuss options so that you fully understand what you are doing. If decisions are made under Mercury retrograde, it is not long before they have to be modified under the excuse that ""We didn't understand – we weren't properly informed of - what was involved!"

And from there it doesn't easier. On August 9, Mars will first square Uranus, and then the next day it will be in opposition to Pluto. That is, the god of war mates with the gods of chaos and destruction. Hopefully they will produce a child of renewal and not a pile of ashes... as in the potential form taken on by paper currencies and treasuries if a solution to the debt ceiling is not achieved. But ever the optimist (yes, I am a different kind of Capricorn), there will likely be a resolution, albeit temporary, within two weeks of this time.

Longer Term Thoughts and Personal Astrology Transit Tales

It is like people from two different planets talking at each other in different languages. I am of course referring to the impasse between Republicans and Democrats, Congress and the White House, over raising the debt ceiling limit, thus flirting with the prospect of a USA default.

From the viewpoint of Financial Astrology, this is a classic illustration of how the Uranus-in Aries, square Pluto-in-Capricorn can manifest. The Pluto in Capricorn (2008-2023) passage brings to the table the urge to transform-reform government structures. It can easily spill over into banking and big business too, especially as all three are so closely intertwined with one another in the United States (and of course, other nations as well). Specifically, Pluto pertains to debt, deficits, and taxes. The urge for government reform is centered on these issues and policies.

Uranus in Aries (2010-2018) refers to the divisive rhetoric being hurled by leaders of both parties at one another, and the inability or unwillingness to listen empathically. This can be a ruthless and warlike combination, where one side abruptly gets up and leaves the table of discussion. Republican Eric Cantor did that a couple of weeks ago, and Democratic President Obama did it this week. Each side is frustrated with the other, which is a characteristic of the square aspect between these two planetary powerhouses.

The President accuses the Republicans of not being serious. "Show me a plan in terms of what you're doing in terms of debt and deficit reduction. If they show me a serious plan I'm ready to move even if it requires me to make some tough decisions," he says, according to www.cnbc.com. House Speaker John Boehner says Obama and Democrats had still not put a serious deficit plan on the table… "They've been unwilling to put a real plan on the table. Without serious spending cuts...this problem is not going to be solved." Did I say they were from different planets? This is what happens when Uranus is strong in the heavens. Uranus is not a dynamic of "connection." It has more to do with "disconnection."

Everyone thinks lawmakers and the White House will come to an agreement in time. I am sure they will come to an agreement, but I am not so sure it will happen before the August 2 deadline. I am more inclined to think it will happen after Mars enters the emotional sign of Cancer (August 3), and quite possibly while it translates in a grand square to the forceful set up involving Uranus, Pluto, and Saturn (August 9-25). Since the USA is a Cancer country (born July 2 or 4, 1776), and since all of its benefics (Venus, Jupiter and the Sun) are in the degrees of Cancer, they will be hit by Mars during this period. This crisis may then peak. However, with Mars, it is nearly inevitable that the agreement will not make anyone happy for long. During this same time, Mercury will be retrograde (August 2-26). Whatever decision is made is probably not a long-term solution, and the issue will come up again.

Well, the diagnosis of the problem is not hard to make based on principles of Financial Astrology. In fact, the diagnosis (forecast) of debt and financial crisis had been outlined for 2008-2015 in every annual Forecast Book written since 1994, far before anyone in other fields had made such a forecast. The solution had also been proposed – based on the history and themes of planetary cycles that are repeating in 2008-2015. Namely, the cause would be related to overspending and increased deficits on the part of world governments, combined with increased borrowing needs and increased taxes (we already know that over $1 trillion in new taxes will take effect in January 2013). The solution, based on prior periods similar to this, would be two-fold: to institute policies that would increase employment (and hence tax receipts) and decrease spending.

The difficulty between the two sides from different planets can be narrowed down to one basic issue: taxes. Does an increase in tax rates result in the creation of more revenues for the government and hence reduction of debt, as many Democrats and Obama believe? Or do they result in less money available for spending by consumers, which results in less demand for goods and services, which results in less new hiring, a sluggish economy and eventually less overall revenues (taxes) for the government, as Republicans believe? Apparently, on Venus it is one way, on Mars it is the other. And neither side really understands the belief of the other. It's become emotional, not reasonable. Reason and history have no standing on this planet of Uranus. Progress into the future, at any cost, does.

In the process of their inability to resolve the issue, the world heads closer and closer to the consequences of this huge debt bomb explosion. The fuse has been lit for some time, at least since the spending spree that started under the presidency of George W. Bush. But the lit fuse is not being put out by today's leadership. In fact new fuses have been lit, and so an even bigger explosion comes closer every day, as the 2012-2015 square of Uranus and Pluto creeps forward to form a grand square to the Sun-Saturn square in the USA's own horoscope.

As a Financial Astrologer living in America, it is rather surreal watching the USA enter into this state of self-destruction that is clearly suggested by these evolving planetary patterns, especially when you believe that the outcome still depends greatly on choices that can yet be made. But then again, I too am going through this powerful Uranus-Pluto square to planets in my own chart, as are all people born in the first half of cardinal signs. What's the difference? I am making conscious choices to reduce my spending and debt, and/or increase my revenues. Of course, some of this process is outside of my control, for the government's own actions can very well affect how much money I will have available to spend, as well as my clients. Less money to spend means less demand for products and services (especially services such as astrological consultations), and eventually greater unemployment in the private sector. As President Obama himself stated this past week in the CNBC article, interest rates would also be affected in a default, increasing costs to Americans for home and car loans and beyond. It would be, he said,"effectively a tax increase on everybody." He is absolutely right. He is so good at articulating the problem. Now if he and his colleagues could just figure out the sensible solution for those of us on this planet.

Announcements

If you are an active short-term trader, you may be interested in our Weekly or even Daily Market reports with short-term 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), Swiss Franc, Dollar/Yen cash and Yen futures, Euro-Yen cash, T-Notes, Soybeans, Crude Oil, Gold and Silver. The daily reports cover all stock indices listed above, as well as futures in Euro, T-Notes, Soybeans, 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 recently subscribed to your weekly report and am finding it to be excellent and a very useful companion to the MMA Cycles Report. I can't imagine now managing my investments without them." The writing of "The Ultimate Book on Stock Market Timing, Volume 5: Price Objectives and Technical Analysis," will be completed next week. It should be out in September as planned, and maybe even sooner. This book has expanded from original projections. It will now be approximately 325 pages, printed in perfect bind format, gloss cover, 8-1/2" x 11" size, and basically the same style as the other four volumes. The retail price at the time of publication will be $144.00. Our offer of a pre-publication special price of $95.00 (plus postage) to those who order before July 15 will be extended to August 1, since the book did not get completed by July 15 as originally expected. There will be another pre-publication offer at $125.00 starting August 1, which will remain in effect until the book is completely edited and delivered to the printer, at which time the price will be set at $144.00. This publication will complete the project that started in 1996, and covered approximately 1600 pages of studies and strategies for all types of traders and investors, using our market timing methods. In all, this is a complete and unified approach to analyzing (and trading) financial markets, and especially stock markets. The previous 4 volumes have been on "when" to buy and sell, or how to forecast a future cycle low or high. This last volume addresses the subject of "where" to buy and sell, or at "what price" to buy and sell. It is the missing link to the first four volumes. It details the mathematical formulas and technical studies used to enhance timing of entry and exit in any market, but especially stock indices. Not only that, it provides step by step directions on how to set up a trading plan and when to enter the trade. If you are interested in this unique and integrated methodology for analyzing and forecasting stock indices, you can save big bucks by ordering now at http://www.mmacycles.com/catalogue/books/the-ultimate-book-on-stock-market-timing-volume-5/, or just go to www.mmacycles.com and scroll down to the announcement. The monthly MMA Cycles Report and its companions – the MMA Japan Cycles Report and MMA European Cycles Report – came out last week, Monday and Tuesday, via posting on our web site, and attachment via direct emails, for subscribers. If you subscribe to either of these reports and did not receive it, let us know at once. The MMA Cycles Report covers our longer-term analysis of the U.S. stock market, precious metals, crude oil, currencies, Treasury Notes, and grain markets. The MMA Japan Cycles report covers the Nikkei, JGB Bonds, and the Dollar-Yen. The new MMA European Cycles Report covers the German DAX, Swiss SMI, and Netherlands AEX, each in English only, and will be available on Wednesday. For further information and subscription, go to http://www.mmacycles.com/catalogue/subscription-services/mma-cycles-report/. Last October I did an internet presentation for traders of the ICE exchange (Intercontinental Exchange) on the future of the U.S. Dollar, as well as the U.S. stock market. A video recording of that presentation is available for free viewing at http://www.youtube.com/raymondmerriman. The thoughts expressed at that time contain many of the ideas I have about the long-term outlook even today. Please feel free to share it with your friends and associates. Events: August 13, 2011: San Francisco, CA. Financial Market Timing seminar, featuring Raymond Merriman. It is on. Location is Golden Gate University. Details available at www.tsaasf.org. Immediately afterwards there will be a special meeting with MMA subscribers who make reservations with us beforehand (call 248-626-3034, or email Amber at ordersmma@msn.com). There is no charge for subscribers to attend this special meeting afterwards. Also on the program will be fellow Financial Astrologer Arch Crawford, and Gann Specialist Sinan Koray from Australia. The TSAASF has arranged special rates at the Club Quarters Hotel on Clay Street. Call 415-442-6583 for reservations. My talk will be on the "Gold and the Saturn-Pluto Cycle." January 6-7, 2012: Zurich Switzerland. Forecast 2012 Symposia sponsored by AstroData. Details to be announced shortly at www.mma-europe.ch. January 18, 2012: Amsterdam, Netherlands. "Forecast 2012." The date is not yet finalized, but will be shortly, and it will be around this date. March 16-18, 2012: The 8th Annual Balkan International Conference, Belgrade, Serbia. Featuring a workshop on Financial Astrology with Raymond Merriman. 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. 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. September 20-27, 2012: The first annual "MMA International Cycles Summit on World Economy, Politics, and Financial Markets." Location will be in Lake Bled, Slovenia, one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Details will be announced soon. It's on!

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 2007-2011; you may link to this site or page, but you may not distribute these texts in any way (by email or otherwise).

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