Friday, September 25, 2009

Is the equities market fracturing a sign of something more? Weekly preview comments of Raymond Merriman

Raymond Merriman has issued his MMACycles Weekly Preview Comments for the upcoming week. His site is always included in the list at right - let's see what he's saying tonight. I'm particularly interested of course in addressing whether "the top is in" or is there another, last wave up which can be indicated by some methods for a top in another week or so ... But there are other big issues to think about too. So let's see:
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Comments for the Week beginning September 28, 2008
written by Raymond Merriman

Review and Preview


The stock market finally broke last week. When slow moving planets as far out as Saturn and Uranus make an exact aspect, it can take up to 12 trading days before a reversal in some financial markets unfolds. In this case, it took six days afterwards. The third passage of the 45-year opposition aspect occurred on September 15, but it wasn’t until Wednesday of last week (September 23) that many of these indices finally began to break down. And now we watch to see how far this decline will be. Will the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummet about 2000 points in the next 3-4 weeks as it did in the first two passages of November 4 and February 5? Or will the decline be mild this time, given that the opposition took place during the retrograde Mercury time band (September 6-29), a cosmic phenomenon that oftentimes fails to produce the same results observed during prior geocosmic instances?

It is also interesting to note that not all world indices made new cycle highs last week before the break on Wednesday-Thursday. In Europe, the London FTSE and Swiss SMI indices did top out last Tuesday, September 22. But in the case of the Netherlands AEX and German DAX, the high last week was slightly lower than the highs of the prior week, thus creating a case intermarket bearish divergence in the part of the world. In Asia and the Pacific Rim, none of the indices we track made a new cycle high last week. The highs of September 17 held in the Australian All Ordinaries index, the Russian MICEX index, and Hang Seng of Hong Kong. Japan’s Nikkei index still has August 31 as the date of its high for this cycle. All these were tested last week, but none took out the prior highs. Yet in the Americas, all four indexes made new cycle highs last week. The DJIA, NASDAQ Composite and Merval of Argentina all made highs last Wednesday, while Brazil’s Bovespa made its cycle high on Tuesday. More disturbing than the cases on intermarket bearish divergence is the fact that the momentum oscillators in most of these markets are all turning down now too. But once again we have to ask: is this for real, or will be another fake out and trick of Mercury Rx, the cosmic trickster?

Other financial markets also broke last week, including precious metals, crude oil and foreign currencies against the Dollar. In fact, the key to understanding all of these moves is the possible reversal in the Dollar. As Saturn prepares to begin its hard aspect to Pluto October 29, 2009-August 21, 2010, in degrees that hit the chart of the Sun-Pluto opposition of Federal Reserve Board chart (December 23, 1913), there is reason to think that the U.S. Dollar is on the verge of an impressive reversal towards more strength, or a complete breakdown.

Short-Term Geocosmics

The idea that geocosmic signatures might be supportive of a strengthening in the US Dollar this week were discussed last week in relationship to transiting Venus too. As stated last week, “The next day (September 20), Venus will leave Leo and ingress into Virgo until October 14. Since Venus rules values – like money or currency – it is possible bankers could begin to initiate activities to support the Dollar, which is once again on the precipice of falling off the cliff, and starting a crisis.” The Euro and Swiss Franc may have ended important trends with their new cycle highs last Wednesday.

This week is important for many reasons related to Financial Astrology. First, Mercury ends its retrograde motion on September 29. This also begins yet another time band of heavily populated geocosmic signatures, lasting though October 16. In fact, in those 18 days, there are eight important aspects. Of most importance, however, may be the translation of Venus to the Saturn-Uranus-Pluto T-square of October 9-15. Readers will note that the Sun just finished this same translation September 17-23 and that coincided with the highs for the year in most world equity indices, and the break that happened right at the end. The first thought is that perhaps the move down that just began could end October 9-15. But then a closer look at that period will reveal that the Sun will trine the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction October 10-16, while Jupiter ends its retrograde motion and goes stationary direct date on October 12. These later signatures would appear to be bullish, for the nature of Jupiter and Neptune is akin to “irrational exuberance.” However, as pointed out before, sometimes so much Jupiter and Neptune can coincide with periods of panic and hysteria, even when in a favorable trine aspect. Since the technical picture seems to be deteriorating, traders must be alert to this possible manifestation. And, as always when Neptune is in the picture, there is the possibility of questionable manipulative activity going on behind the scenes, devised in order to create an illusion of support that is not truly there.

Longer-Term Thoughts

Last week’s column approached the topic of national security and military possibilities, given the reversal in policies related to the shelving of the missile defense shield plans for Central Europe. I would like to elaborate on that a little more from the point of view of Mundane Astrology. In this study, Mars is the planet that relates to the military of a country. By progression, Mars has now turned retrograde in the chart of the United States (July 2, 1776), as of mid-2008. Mars will remain retrograde for approximately 78 years, which implies that the historical thrust of the USA military policy is entering a long stage of reversal. The collective urge to be less military-oriented, and more oriented to efforts designed to attain an era of world peace, is likely to grow as Mars is retrograde in the USA chart. But at the time of the progressed retrograde, both the “hawks” and the “doves” will likely commence a powerful schism in the USA psyche. The decisions of the past two weeks show this duality at work. Not only is the USA foregoing the building of the missile defense shield in Central Europe – a clear symbol of Mars retrograde – but it is now also going to re-evaluate its war strategy for the conflict in Afghanistan. Just a few weeks ago, it was called a “War of Necessity.” Now there is a re-evaluation going in as to whether or not to send more troops to the battlefield, as originally planned. This too is a symptom of progressed Mars retrograde, and the change of mind happened as well under Mercury retrograde. Generally-speaking, decision as important as this made under Mercury retrograde will, be altered again.

But what I mostly want to point out this week is that transiting Mars will enter its 26-month retrograde cycle on December 20, 2009, and it will last through March 10, 2010. The USA could be in a very critical credibility period at that time regarding its military intentions and policies. I see two possibilities here. Either the War in Afghanistan is about to take a major turn in military offense, with the purpose of turning to tide around by Christmas, or else these changes will be stalemated until around that time, and then a major military offense will begin. As a Mundane Astrologer, the more successful course would probably be the former, and then complete the missions before Mars goes retrograde. The danger is continuing any military offenses after Mars turns retrograde, for one can get bogged down in frustrating delays and resistance that turns the momentum around. More troublesome, however, would be the start a military offensive after Mars goes retrograde, for one of our rules is that whoever is the aggressor under Mars retrograde is usually the loser.

The United States, and in fact the entire world, is on the verge of entering yet another powerful geocosmic period. It is building up to Mars retrograde, but even this is just one of the many signatures within the greater umbrella of the Cardinal Climax, involving the T-square of Saturn, Uranus and Pluto that is in effect 2008-2015. This can be a very dangerous time, with the potential of seeing anything from a very destructive military conflict to yet another severe financial crisis. Or it can be the turning point, turning from the fear of war and terrorism to a movement that has the potential to lead to a prolonged period of world peace. We are in the thick of it right now, and it will be most interesting, as students of geocosmic studies, to see the military developments that unfold between now and mid-December, especially coming out the USA.

Announcements

The September issue of the MMA Cycles Report, and its companion the MMA Japan Cycles Report, was issued last week. If you subscribe to this report and were not able to log in to our web site to download it, let us know at once and we will email you a copy of it. This report covers our longer-term analysis of the U.S. stock market, precious metals, crude oil, currencies, Treasury Notes, and grain markets. For subscription information, please go to SERVICES at www.mmacycles.com. Also note that if you subscribe before October 15, you will lock in current rates before our prices increase. Save big bucks and subscribe now for the next year.

Speaking of lower rates…. All of our subscription reports will be increasing after October 15. Not only that, but right now our once-a-year fall special for some of the MMA subscription reports is currently going on! If you are an active short-term trader, you will be interested in the special offer now for MMA’s Weekly and/or Daily Market reports. If you order a year’s subscription to any of these reports with the 2010 Forecast Book prior to October 15, you will receive a 10% discount off the current price. After that, the prices for our daily and weekly reports will increase by 20-50% and the discount period will come to an end. The full MMA Weekly report, for example is currently $1000/year, and will increase to $1500/year after October 15. But prior to that, the cost will be 10% off $1000, or $900, if ordering with Forecast 2010. The MMA Daily Update report currently costs $2500.00/year. With the 10% discount, it is available for $2250.00. After October 15, the yearly subscription will increase to $3250.00. Additionally, by subscribing now, you will lock into these current rates for future renewals too! These reports represent the only way I keep in touch with traders on a daily or weekly basis. The weekly report provides in-depth analysis of the DJIA, S&P and NASDAQ futures, Euro currency (cash and futures), Swiss Franc, Dollar/Yen cash and Yen futures, T-Notes, Soybeans, Gold and Silver. On October 15, we will also add Crude Oil. The daily reports cover all stock indices listed above, as well as futures in Euro, T-Notes, Soybeans, Gold and Silver. 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. 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.” Save big bucks and order now, before the special offer ends in two weeks.

It’s that time of the year again! Pre-publication orders for next year’s annual Forecast 2010 Book can now be placed. And once again there will be a discount to those who order before October 15. The retail price of the Forecast 2010 Book will be $55.00 this year. However, for orders placed before October 15, the special pre-publication rate is $45.00 (plus postage). Although 2009 is only approximately half over, the 2009 book has already been one the most accurate of all that have been written in the past 33 years. A list of many of those forecasts outlined in the 2009 book that have already come to pass is listed on our web site at www.mmacycles.com. And the critical reversal dates given for at least three of the markets have been extremely accurate, including the high and low of the year in many markets. As always, the book is published and mailed out around December 15. Please note that the Forecast books have sold out by the end of February in three of the past 4 years. So, order now and save big bucks, and also make sure you reserve a copy before they sell out! Once they are gone, they are gone. There are no second printings. This year we are pleased to announce that you may order the Forecast 2010 book in five other languages besides English, as follows: Japanese (http://merriman.jp), Dutch (www.markettiming.nl), Spanish (www.mmacycles-spanish.com), German (www.mma-europe.ch), in Serbian (www.mma-balkan.com), and in Russian at www.urania.ru. These same sites also offer our weekly column in their respective languages.

The DVD of the Financial Astrology workshop in Chicago is now available for purchase. The cost is $175.00 and includes a workbook of the graphics used in the class. Some people learn best with visuals like DVD’s, on courses like this one, and others learn best from books. But this workshop clearly lays out the basic methodology of combining cycles studies with geocosmic studies to forecast market trends as well as critical reversal dates for any market. The emphasis in this workshop was on the U.S. stock market and Gold. To order, contact our office at 1-248-626-3034 or email Amber at ordersmma@msn.com, or to go our web site at www.mmacycles.com.

We are pleased to announce that the Spanish publication of “Basic Principles of Geocosmic Studies for Financial Market Timing” has just been completed. This first edition in Spanish will be in print in 10 days. For more information and ordering, please contact www.mmacycles-spanish.com.

I am oftentimes asked for recommendations of a money manager who uses my methods, since I won’t manage other people’s money. The thing is, almost all money managers I know use their own systems. But many subscribe to my services and share my thoughts about the future of the economy, various financial markets, and how to position one’s portfolio along these lines. One money manager who subscribes to our services that I would suggest for those looking to structure a longer-term portfolio, such as a retirement account, is Duke O’Neill of Boulder, Colorado. He can be reached at dukeoneil1@gmail.com, or 1-(303) 817-8263. For those looking for a professional trader of commodity and futures contract might consider Ted Lee Fisher at ted.fisher@comcast.net. Ted is a legend in financial futures and has a seat on the CME. Both are very knowledgeable of the tools I use, of the way I am looking at markets, and yet each makes their own decisions as to exactly when to enter and exit any market.

Our weekly comments can now be read in Russian at www.urania.ru, Japanese (http://merriman.jp), Serbian (www.mma-balkan.com), Spanish (www.mmacycles-spanish.com), German (www.mma-europe.ch), French www.lecochonsideral.info, and Dutch at (www.markettiming.nl).

We are pleased to announce our new official Japanese web site at http://merriman.jp. Here you can read our free weekly report in Japanese every week. You can purchase several of our books and subscription reports in Japanese, including or new weekly Gold report, Cash Currencies report, and both the MMA Cycles and MMA Japanese Markets Cycles reports. If you read Japanese, please feel free to check out this new site, created by Toshi Nippou Ltd. of Tokyo.

We are also pleased to announce the formation of our new Weekly Cash Currencies Report in English. This report will cover our weekly analysis of cash Euro Currency, the Dollar-Yen, and the Euro-Dollar markets. For further in formation on this new subscription report, please visit www.mmacycles.com, and look under SERVICES.

The German version of “Merriman on Market Cycles: The Basics” is now in print. It is also a revision of the earlier work in English. For more information on this book, please go to our German web site at http://www.mma-europe.ch/.

We have added a valuable new feature to our web site. Now, on the very front page, you can get a daily update on the weighted values of the Solar-Lunar cycles for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Silver market, via the studies conducted in “The Ultimate Book on Stock Market Timing Vol 4: Solar-Lunar Correlations to Trading Cycles,” and “The Sun, Moon and Silver Market: Secrets of a Silver Trader.” These are the studies I use personally for short-term trading of stock index futures, ETFs (like DIA and Silver fund), and Silver futures. Anything over 100 means it has an above-average correlation to reversing from an isolated high or low if it forms that day. The higher the value, the more probable the reversal. To see these daily values, please go to http://www.mmacycles.com/, and just check it out on the top of the page.

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 2007-2009; 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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Spanish : www.mmacycles-spanish.com (Español)
German : www.mma-europe.ch (Deutch)
Japanese : www.merriman.jp
Russian : www.urania.ru
Serbian : www.mma-balkan.com
Polish : www.astrobiznes.pl


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