MMA FREE WEEKLY COLUMN FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING APRIL 14, 2025

REVIEW

 US President Trump’s retreat from trade taxes took less than 24 hours. However, taxes on imports from China increased, and the universal 10% import tax stays in place….The big lessons from this: policy remains very (very) erratic; policy competence will be questioned by markets—chaotic confusion about the tariffs on Mexico and Canada suggests the lack of a master plan; the winning strategy for everyone else is to hang tough and wait for Trump to retreat. Repeated policy uncertainty will hamper investment into the US.

—Dr. Paul Donovan, “Retreat, Repeat, Retreat, Repeat,” UBS Morning Comment, www.ubs.com/cio, April 10, 2025.

History arises under many forces and from many causes, but the psychology of leaders has its place. Mr. Trump is a gambler by nature. He places big bets, has all his professional and political life, and the thing about gamblers… is that all… are looking to lose. They want to win, hope to win, but need the possibility of catastrophic loss to excite them, to keep them interested in life. Mr. Trump this week placed one of the biggest bets of his life, but it was the world’s money that was in the pot. That was some kind of ugly, reckless thing to do.

—Peggy Noonan, “Trump’s Climbdown for the Ages,” Wall Street Journal, www.wsj.com, April 10, 2025.

The retrograde chaos period finally comes to an end this week. After last week’s market convulsions, it couldn’t happen a moment too soon. Stock markets around the world cratered early last week. But by the end of the week, several global stock indices made partial recoveries to give at last a sign of hope for investors going forward.

Our call for this year in the Forecast 2025 Book was that many global stock indices, including the DJIA, would decline 15-26% in value from their all-time or multi-year highs due to the time band for the 3-year cycle low in effect April 2025-April 2026. That has now happened to nearly every global stock index we track. The question now is whether or not it is over. Or will there be a further deterioration of equity values to qualify for an 18-year cycle trough (decline of 35-65% off all-time or multi-yearly highs that formed between December 2024 and early March 2025)?

Two exceptions to last week’s bear market growl were noted in Gold and currency markets. Gold soared to another new all-time high, rallying from a pullback to a major cycle low of 2970 last Monday, April 7, as Venus conjoined Saturn and Mercury turned direct to a new high of 3263 on Friday, April 11. This just happened to fit in perfectly with our analysis of Gold given in last Sunday’s special snap webinar, stating that the 2975-3000 level marked the new baseline for support in Gold, and a new all-time high could be achieved by the time Venus turned direct (now). The rally in the stock market and Silver, following the early week’s low, also fits very well with the analysis made in that presentation. In addition to the rally in metals, several major currencies, such as the Swiss Franc, Euro, and Yen, also soared to new multi-year highs. Treasuries, on the other hand, had a panic attack and suffered a sudden and alarming selloff as the world began to doubt the “faith and goodwill” of American leadership and their financial system.

 SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS AND LONGER-TERM THOUGHTS

 It wasn’t good to let the world know, or to remind it so vividly, that the way to get America to back off is to tank its bond market. Those bonds, as Zanny Minton Beddoes of the Economist put it, are “the ultimate faith asset.” The world has been reminded they could become the ultimate weak spot.

—Peggy Noonan, “Trump’s Climbdown for the Ages,” Wall Street Journal, www.wsj.com, April 10, 2025.

This show has only one protagonist who matters: Mr Trump. There is no tariff strategy beyond his whims. Although Mr Trump blinked yesterday, don’t think that this Tariff Show is over. America is still engaged in a brutal tit-for-tat trade war with China….the damage of the past week cannot be easily undone. Yes, markets have recovered from a near meltdown. But Mr Trump has upended the old certainties that underpinned the global economy and introduced extraordinary levels of volatility and confusion. We are, as our cover title says, in the “age of chaos.”

—Zanny Minton Beddoes, “The Age of Chaos,” The Economist, April 10, 2025.

Hey! That’s my term for this year!

The good news is that the “Retrograde Chaos” period, a term I coined back in December to describe the year 2025, concludes this weekend as the last of the back-to-back retrograde cycles of personal planets – Venus, in this case – ends. The not-so-good news is that the economic chaos does not end, as President Trump did not conclude his tariff negotiations with the rest of the world. He only paused the threat of higher tariffs for 90 days, which will bring the next explosive period squarely into the crosshairs of the Jupiter square Saturn/Neptune orb of influence. This is the major aspect of 2025, indicating possible hysteria and panic, exactly in mid-June, just a couple of weeks before his next proclaimed tariff assault will begin if his demands are not met. If the negotiations don’t find satisfactory results even by mid-May, hysteria is apt to increase as he prepares for round two of the next step: “Outer Planet Chaos.”

Interestingly enough, the peak of the outer planets’ ingresses and aspects is June 15, one day after President Trump’s 79^th birthday. It will be the dominant cosmic signature of his next year of life. The influence of a solar return chart actually begins 90 days before one’s birthdate, so it’s already manifesting. In addition to Jupiter (exaggeration) square both Saturn (control struggles and obstacles of delay) and Neptune (lack of controls), there is also a potentially dangerous Mars/Uranus square unfolding then, with transiting Mars conjoining Mr. Trump’s natal ascendant and Mars. This is yet another key dynamic in his solar return chart for the year. His status may be in jeopardy if his master economic plan is not working out. The stock market could tank into not just a 3-year cycle low but possibly an even more destabilizing 18-year cycle trough.

The Mars/Uranus square is of major interest because Uranus is already in the midst of its conjunction with the Sun/Mercury conjunction in the founding chart of the New York Stock Exchange, founded on May 17, 1792. Transiting Uranus is also in square aspect to the NYSE natal Pluto in Aquarius. This transiting cosmic hard aspect has been in effect since May 2024 and will end right about the time that transiting Mars will square Uranus in late Taurus on June 15. With the all-time high in U.S. stocks occurring between December 2024 and February 2025 and then the huge sell-off since then, it is apparent that Uranus – the planet of sudden reversals and breakouts of yearly support and resistance zones – is very much in play now. This volatility could climax in mid-June.

Can this ominous outlook be avoided? Of course. All the president has to do is choose to wrap up the negotiations on trade agreements between himself and the rest of the world before mid-May (Sun conjunct Uranus) or mid-June (the peak of the outer planet hard aspects). He has to actually close these deals with other countries besides Argentina. Americans (everyone) need to see that the world is on board with his vision, crude as it is being laid out and that it is not just an obsession or delusionary fantasy of his imagination. End the chaos and uncertainty. Provide a sense of stability by bringing home deals going forward with the trade situation. Will he do it? Can he do it? Maybe. Transiting Jupiter (world trade) will be entering Cancer (love of country), conjoining the U.S. natal Venus (money) and Jupiter (hope and optimism) from mid-June through early July. That is a geocosmic dynamic that could help the U.S. regain its mojo. It could end this nonsensical pattern of retreat, start, retreat, start that has been so ongoing during this retrograde chaos of early 2025 and is likely to continue for another two months or so if this course of action doesn’t show results soon.

For this week, we note that Venus not only turns direct, but it is still in an orb of conjunction with Saturn from April 7 through April 25. People are worried (Saturn) about their finances and relationships (Venus), as well as the nation’s. This is significant because Saturn also conjoins the Lunar North Node in late Pisces early this week. Our studies have shown this to exhibit a 70% historical correlation to an economic slowdown (even recession) within the year. People (and nations) will be defensive in financial matters as previously planned bold decisions are put on pause.

The Saturn/Node conjunction might explain why so many are worried and a bit anxious about the future. We are moving from one huge Saturn cycle to another between August 2024 and February 2026. It’s also the heart of the “Aries Vortex.” It can feel as if falling into an abyss, a black hole. But there is a bottom to this plunge into the unknown. Saturn periods require patience. Patience is a lot harder to acquire than information or knowledge, which is often not truth. But when you evolve in both of these steps (usually through experience), it leads to wisdom. This is the time to be patient (not impatient), to be reflective (not reactive), and develop wisdom. Wisdom provides the light that leads one out of the tunnel of darkness.

Ponder this. Don’t ponder that.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 NOTE 1: THIS SUNDAY!!! A “SPECIAL MMA OPTIONS WEBINAR” with Derek Panaia, hosted by Raymond Merriman, will take place on Sunday, April 13, at 1 PM EDT. This coincides with Venus turning direct. Given that markets are in a heightened state of uncertainty — and that Venus turning direct is one of the most significant geocosmic indicators of a reversal in financial markets — this may be an exceptional time to trade options. ~250414

Here’s how it works: Ray will give his outlook on the status of cycles and geocosmic turning points in five markets that appear to be setting up for primary cycle lows or highs. Derek will then present the option strategies with the best risk/reward possibilities based on Ray’s outlook and Derek’s own interpretation of other supporting factors.

As we will be right in the middle of Venus turning direct — ending the “retrograde chaos” period of November 25 to April 13 — and heading into an MMA 3-star critical reversal date (CRD) window of April 18-21, we want to be prepared with limited-risk option strategies on the S&P, T-Notes, Gold, Silver, and Soybeans, as primary (or secondary) cycle lows or highs are poised to occur during that time.

The cost is $95 for this 2.5-hour webinar (it may run longer). We are also offering an Options+ Package, which includes additional follow-ups from Derek in the interactive Discord chatroom. These discussions will feature refined timing for entry and exit points that may evolve after the webinar — an approach that resulted in huge profits following our last MMA Options presentation in early December. The cost of the Options+ Package is $250. And yes, we are well aware that a webinar and follow-up of this depth would typically cost ten times as much on other platforms — with far less impressive results than those achieved by attendees of the December Options+ webinar.

Join us on Sunday, April 13, at 1 PM EDT (that’s 7 PM in Zurich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Paris, and 10 AM in Los Angeles). Click here to register!

Note: Options trading is speculative, and this webinar is designed for speculators who have a basic understanding of options. For those who do not, MMA offers a recording of Derek’s webinar on option principles, available on its website.

NOTE 2: GET READY FOR MMTA4 REGISTRATION, STARTING THIS WEEK ON APRIL 15!!! This is MMA’s highly valued two-year educational and training program, created by Raymond Merriman (CTA) — an experience that will change your life and the way you view financial markets. Yes, the course is challenging, but it is also incredibly exciting! Through this program, you will learn how to identify where the market is at any given point in time — and which trading or investing strategy to apply.

The eight-course program includes six to eight Zoom meetings per course — over 100 hours of live instruction and interaction — with instructor Wiebke Held and MMA analysts such as Pouyan Zolfagharnia, Gianni Di Poce, Wyatt Fellows, Derek Panaia, and, of course, Raymond Merriman (with others to be announced).

The classes will meet on Saturdays, approximately 25 times per year, at noon EDT, starting September 27. There are one-month breaks between each course and a two- to three-month summer break. The program also includes at least one live, in-person (or optional online) weekend session, plus a voluntary review session after every course, held prior to the exam for those wishing to receive a certificate of completion. There is nothing else as comprehensive in the field of market timing as the MMTA program! It covers MMA’s market timing methodology for long- and intermediate-term investing, as well as position and aggressive short-term trading.

Acceptance into MMTA requires an interview prior to enrollment. If you are interested in exploring whether MMTA is right for you, please let us know, and we will schedule a time to talk.

Here are just a few of the many very positive reviews from graduates of the last MMTA3 program (2023-2024:

I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for generously sharing your knowledge and teaching it. As you know, I am fairly new to trading and joined MMTA3 to learn a system to approach the stock market. Starting the year, I set myself the goal of doubling the money that I had in my trading account, thinking at the time that this was impossible to do. Thanks to the knowledge and tools MMTA3 teaches, I was actually able to accomplish this goal! In fact, I even exceeded it. — W.H., Germany

 So, thank you, Ray and Gianni, for the fantastic course material and support, because that’s why I have made money — and every dollar for the courses was paid back and more! — J.L., Netherlands

 This course was truly mind-blowing! I learnt in abundance. Thank you all for sharing the excellent trading data and knowledge. This course is worth more than a college degree — and at a fraction of the price, too. — K.L., Australia

NOTE 3: THE APRIL ISSUE OF THE MMA Monthly Cycles Report will be released this week, April 14/15. With the “Retrograde Chaos” cycle finally ending as Venus turns direct on April 12, this will be an important issue for intermediate-term investment planning — especially regarding the U.S. stock market and Gold. Both are due for important three-year cycle lows this year (for Gold, it’s a 31.3-month cycle low). Each issue includes our outlook for the U.S. stock market, Gold, Silver, Copper, Treasuries, the Euro currency, Crude Oil, and Soybeans. The MMA Monthly Cycles Report also provides MMA’s original geocosmic critical reversal dates (CRDs) and solar/lunar reversal dates for traders over the next several weeks, as well as trading strategies for position traders.

If you would like to try a one-month subscription, you can sign up for the April Report for only $35 — or save by ordering a three-report or twelve-report subscription.

 NOTE 4: THE RECORDING OF LAST WEEK’S WEBINAR, “WHAT THE &%#@?! IS HAPPENING: PART 2,” is now available and still very relevant! The presentation went extremely well and very positive feedback. Ray described geocosmic conditions unfolding at this time, which correlate with the growing confusion and uncertainty in the political and financial worlds. He also explained what these rare cosmic periods imply for individuals, world leaders, and the world at large — and, most importantly, the outlook for the U.S. stock market, Gold, and Silver. The cost for this two-hour recording is only $35. To order, click here.

NOTE 5: THE “JUPITER REPORT“ — YOUR MOMENTS OF OPPORTUNITY — IS NOW AVAILABLE. This newest product, written by Raymond Merriman, 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. It delineates the meaning of Jupiter’s transits to your natal planets and angles over a 14-month period (including one month before your order 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 successes? Or a –3 transit with stronger-than-usual potential for misjudgments and losses? You betcha! The cost for your 14-month Jupiter Report is $69. Click here to order!!!

NOTE 6: THE MMA Solar-Lunar App now offers reversal signals on the NASDAQ to all subscribers! The app now provides daily weighted values for four markets: the DJIA, NASDAQ, Gold, and Silver.

This app 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 the DJIA, NASDAQ, Gold, and Silver markets. It is currently available only on Apple products (iPhone and iPad), although we are getting close to developing it for Android phones as well — possibly by the end of this year.

To learn more about the MMA App, click here. To order it, go to the Apple App Store and search for Merriman Solar/Lunar Reversals.

 NOTE 7: The MMA Weekly YouTube show, “Geocosmic Week in Review and Look Ahead,” with Gianni Di Poce, is conducted on Wednesday evenings! Each 5- to 20-minute FREE episode reviews the previous week’s market activity and offers a preview of the geocosmic signatures in effect for the coming week and beyond.

NOTE 8: MMA’s Free Weekly Column Podcast Is Available on SPOTIFY, APPLE, and AMAZON! Now you can listen to a podcast of this weekly column, narrated by Thomas Miller, every Saturday! Thomas has an excellent voice and brings the weekly column to life in a personable and, at times, humorous fashion. Just follow Merriman Market Analyst on Spotify or Apple to listen to all our episodes. A new podcast episode will be released every weekend. This is a FREE service and is available to everyone. Check out our podcasts on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music. It makes for great listening!

NOTE 9: SPECIAL SIX-WEEK COURSE ON “THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ASTROLOGY FOR FINANCIAL MARKET TIMING.” This course will be taught by well-known professional astrologer Susie Cox. The six-week course is designed to teach attendees the basic principles of planets, signs, and aspects (including retrograde and direct stations) used in MMA’s market timing methods. It will also explain which planets and signs rule various sectors of the economy and financial markets. In addition, Susie will cover the houses of the horoscope and how to use an astrological calculation program (Solar Fire) for important tasks such as calculating charts and transit “hit lists.”

This course is being created for those interested in taking the MMTA4 courses that begin on September 27 and who feel their astrological knowledge is at a beginning stage. However, the course will be open to others as well. These six weeks of classes will begin sometime in June or July (to be announced shortly). The cost will be $300, and attendees will meet virtually on Saturdays at noon Eastern Time. The classes will be recorded and made available for review within two days after each online session.

This is a great opportunity to learn basic astrology for those looking for a beginner-level course taught by a master astrologer!

EVENTS

 SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2025: “SPECIAL MMA OPTIONS WEBINAR” with Derek Panaia, hosted by Raymond Merriman. Starts at 1 PM EDT. The cost is $95, or $250 for the Options Plus Package, which includes follow-up interactive posts and timely updates with Derek in a dedicated interactive Discord chatroom.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025: Registration opens for MMTA4, our two-year training program beginning September 27, 2025. Course 1, Cycles — Market Cycles, will run for eight weeks and cover the most important principles that traders and investors need to understand when identifying the optimal time bands for cycle highs and lows in most financial markets. This material forms the foundation of all MMA trading and investment strategies. There is no astrology in Course 1; geocosmic correlation studies and applications will begin in Course 2. The director and instructor of MMTA4 will be Wiebke Held. The impressive faculty for MMTA4 will be announced shortly and will include (among others) Raymond Merriman, Gianni Di Poce, Wyatt Fellows, Pouyan Zolfagharnia, Rita Perea, and Ulric Aspegren. Stay tuned for our formal email announcement, which will be sent out on April 15 to mark the opening of registration.

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 of educating the reader on the relationship between astrological factors and collective human activities as they occur. 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 those movements 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, 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.