MMA FREE WEEKLY COLUMN FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING DECEMBER 2, 2024

PLEASE NOTE: There will not be a weekly column next week due to planning for the December 8 MMA Special Options Webinar with Derek Panaia and Raymond Merriman. We look forward to seeing many of you then as we discuss market timing setups (possible primary cycles or secondary retracements) and option strategies for our Dec 6-9 three-star critical reversal date (CRD)

 REVIEW

 U.S. stocks posted their biggest monthly gains this year in November, as chip stocks rallied on Friday. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average rose modestly to close at records in a holiday-shortened session, with the Dow finishing just underneath the 45000-point milestone. The Dow and S&P 500 delivered their biggest monthly percentage gain of 2024, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

—Chelsey Dulany and Jack Pitcher, “S&P 500, Dow Notch Records to Cap Best Month of the Year,” www.wsj.com, Nov 29, 2024.

Stocks are up, signaling an economic boom. Oil is down as if we’re headed toward a recession. Home prices are up as if rate cuts will continue. Gold is up, suggesting inflation is back. The dollar is strong as if Europe, Canada and China are ailing (spoiler alert: They are.) Still, something’s got to give. Long bonds are signaling that the Fed needs to stop cutting rates. Right now, the Federal deficit stands at 6.4% of GDP. The few times it has exceeded this level were the pandemic, after the financial crisis and during World War II. Fine company. Bondholders won’t stand for inflation. And don’t you dare let Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent weaken the dollar. If Mr. Trump doesn’t trim deficits, watch out below. His legacy will be destroyed by the bond market.

Andy Kessler, “The Market’s Mixed Signals,” Wall Street Journal, Nov 25, 2024.

The Trickster strikes on time!

A new Mercury retrograde cycle began on Monday, November 25, and either on that date or one day away, several financial markets made sudden reversals. Typical of Mercury retrograde, the reversals may or may not last very long.

A perfect example was in Gold where prices rallied to 2723 early on November 25, prices were up sharply from their probable 50-week cycle low of 2541 on November 14. But just like that, in the next 24 hours the Road Runner suddenly switched course, and Gold fell to 2605, a decline of $118. And then it reversed again, rallying back to 2690 on Friday, November 29. On top of that, Silver fell to a new 11-week low on Friday, and then reversed up over $1.30 by the close. That low was not accompanied by Gold, which creates a case of intermarket bullish divergence, the kind of Mercury retrograde trick common for this three-week planetary cycle (the Mercury retrograde ends December 15).

Global stock markets were also in conflict. Some made new all-time highs, as in the DJIA, S&P, and Australia ASX. The German DAX came close on Friday, falling short just 34 points off its all-time high of October 17. Yet others didn’t fare so well. On Friday, Brazil’s Bovespa fell to its lowest level since August 5. On Thursday, India’s NIFTY Index plunged to its lowest mark since June. China’s Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped to new multi-week lows in the middle of last week. Unlike the DJIA and S&P, the Nasdaq failed to make a new all-time high last week, thus exhibiting yet another case of intermarket bearish divergence in the U.S. equity markets.

Intermarket bearish divergence was also evident in the crypto markets as Ethereum soared to its highest level since June 10. However, Bitcoin, failed once again to break the 100,000 mark, and even fell short of its previous all-time high of 99,830 posted on November 22, one trading day (in futures) before Mercury turned retrograde. Crude Oil also reversed from a trading cycle high on November 22, one trading day before the Trickster appearance, and fell all week into Friday’s low. Markets may not exhibit any more consistency in the days ahead as Mars will turn retrograde next Friday, December 6.

SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS

The Russian economy, surprisingly resilient through two-plus years of war and sanctions, has suddenly begun to show serious strains. The ruble is plunging. Inflation is soaring, and President Vladimir Putin told the Russian people this week that there isn’t any reason to panic.

—Georgi Kantchev and Chelsea Dulany, “Russia’s War Economy Shows New Cracks After the Ruble Plunges,” Wall Street Journal, Nov 29, 2024.

The Trickster may continue this pattern of intermarket divergences and sudden reversals every 1-4 trading days. But bigger planetary cycles are about to unfold by the end of this week. We already mentioned Mars turning retrograde on December 6, which will last through February 23. Mars is the warrior. But when the warrior also acts as an aggressor and starts conflicts, things don’t go very well for the initiator. Typically, the aggressor loses when starting new conflicts under Mars retrograde. Think of the Falkland Islands and Argentina’s surprise attack on Britain’s overseas territory in April 1982. In markets, international conflicts may cause sudden but temporary movements in some financial markets, like stocks, currencies, and precious metals. Mercury (commerce and trading) will also form a square to Saturn that day, while retrograde, which could also coincide with a poor strategic decision.

It doesn’t get any better the next day, December 7, when Neptune (the planet of confusion and misinformation) turns stationary direct. It might be bullish for Gold, as Gold seems to like Neptune stations, but Mars turning retrograde the day before adds uncertainty to many markets. Traders and investors aren’t sure what to make of news stories at this time. Are they true? Are they false? Is it intentional or propaganda? Who is the source? Everyone wants to be anonymous and invisible, so rumors may be planted with the intent to capitalize on false market moves (buy the rumor, sell the fact, or vice-versa).

As important as these three planets changing direction close in time to one another, the most significant geocosmic signature taking place (historically-speaking, for markets) is the Sun/Jupiter opposition of December 7. These two fiery planets (they rule fire signs), combined with the third fiery planet (Mars) being highlighted, suggest possible large price swings unfolding. Sun/Jupiter opposition is one of the strongest historical correlations to reversals of primary cycles (highs or lows) within ten trading days, and usually four or less.

With both Jupiter and Neptune highlighted, we would also expect strong reversals in Crude Oil. Psychologically, these signatures indicate the heightened temptation to act aggressively, overestimate one’s strength, and make major blunders in strategic decisions. This is not the best of times to act aggressively or with arrogance and overconfidence. Learn the meaning and value of “IMHO” (in my humble opinion). Practice moderation, humility, and patience in the next two weeks for the best results in the longer-term.

We will have more to say about that next Saturday, December 8, at our special MMA Options Webinar, where we will discuss limited risk, high potential profit opportunities, and option strategies for traders. Yes, I know Mercury will be in retrograde, and this is a time we do not usually recommend position trading. But this may be an exception due to the even stronger signatures unfolding December 6-7 that override Mercury retrograde. That’s why we are looking at options then. Stop-losses on open futures contracts may be too risky. With certain option strategies, you can afford to wait it out or even take some quick profits if the markets get extremely volatile, as these signatures suggest they might.

Have a great week, and remember: don’t get unruly and overly aggressive. It will not pay to act like a bully or even be in the vicinity of one who does. Stay in your lane. We will be back with this column in two weeks. And to those who plan to join us next weekend, we look forward to going over options on at least 3-5 markets with you that we think are setting up for sudden and potentially large moves.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 NOTE 1: ONE MORE WEEK!!! THE NEXT SCHEDULED “SPECIAL MMA OPTIONS WEBINAR” with Derek Panaia and hosted by Raymond Merriman will take place on Sunday, December 8, which is MMA’s next three-star critical reversal date (CRD) zone (Dec. 6-9). Our market timing indicators project major moves in several markets near this time. Here’s how it works: Ray gives his outlook on the status of cycles and geocosmic turning points in 3-5 markets that appear to be setting up for primary cycle lows or highs. He gives his strategies for traders of these markets. Derek then gives the option strategies that have the best risk/reward possibilities based on Ray’s outlook and his own interpretation of other factors that support the outlook.

As we will be right in the middle of the Dec 6-9 three-star CRD, we want to be prepared with limited-risk option strategies on Gold, Silver, the S&P, and possibly Crude Oil, Copper, and/or Soybeans, as primary cycle (or secondary) lows or highs may occur then.

The cost is $95 for this two-hour webinar (it may go over). We will also offer an Options+ package, which will include at least three additional follow-ups from Derek as technical signals unfold after the webinar. The cost of “Options +” will be $195. SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, December 8, at 1:00 PM EST (that’s 7 PM in Zurich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Paris, and 10 AM in Los Angeles). Click here to register! Note: Keep in mind that options trading is speculative, and this webinar is designed for speculators who have some basic knowledge of options. For those who don’t have that basic knowledge, MMA offers a recording of Derek’s webinar on option principles on its website.

 NOTE 2: THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF THE MMA Monthly Cycles Report Plus+, edited by Pouyan Zolfagharnia, was issued last week. This market letter has become a very popular addition to the MMA Cycles Report (it’s less technical, more visual, and contains horoscopes of current importance, high-quality analysis, and updates on MMA Cycles Report markets). The mid-month addendum to the MMA Cycles Report features stunning graphics and charts (people love it!) and is very readable. It contains more illustrations and references to geocosmics than most MMA Cycles reports and is only available for subscription to those who also subscribe to the MMA Monthly Cycles Report. Each issue offers an update on NASDAQ, Gold, Silver, and Crude Oil. Pouyan has been especially hot with the NASDAQ this year! If you wish to try this month’s addendum, along with the latest issue of the MMA Monthly Cycles Report, sign up online at the link above. A subscription for a monthly copy of both reports costs $55. For further information and ordering instructions, please click here.

 NOTE 3: FORECAST 2025 IS AT THE PRINTER, ON SCHEDULE AND DUE OUT DECEMBER 16!!!

 MMA’s annual Forecast book is an astrological-themed almanac that has served students of cycles and markets since 1976. It provides a cyclical outlook on the collective world psychology, national economy, geopolitical overview, socio-cultural trends, weather and natural calamity potential, as well as financial market projections for the U.S. stock market, the 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. Its valuable market timing forecasts are based on the historical correlation of market cycles overlapping with geocosmic planetary cycles. Additionally, it provides the three-star critical reversal dates for each market for the year, which have an 80+% accuracy over the years for trading cycle highs and lows when given an orb of three trading days. The book is approximately 200 pages, 8.5″ x 11″, and has set the standard for all astrological almanacs written today.

The scorecard for Forecast 2024, as of October 8, 2024, is now available for viewing by clicking here.

The FORECAST 2025 print edition is available at the rate of $66, but copies will be limited. The eBook version is available for $55 and does not have a limit.

 MMA is also offering a special “bundle” discount rate for those who wish to order both the eBook and printed editions of Forecast 2025 for $86. The eBook usually comes out 1-2 weeks before the print edition and avoids delays caused by the postal system, especially for those who live overseas. Yet many readers prefer the print edition, so ordering both via the Forecast 2025 Bundle makes sense. You will receive the Forecast 2025 eBook on December 15, and the print copy will be mailed shortly thereafter in mid-December.

There will also be an audiobook version of Forecast 2025 available by December 15. This audio version will not include the financial markets nor the ephemeris and geocosmic calendar for each month that will be included in the print and eBook versions. The cost of this abridged audio version will be $29, and it makes an excellent companion when working out or driving.

To pre-order Forecast 2025 now, please click here.

 NOTE 4: YOUR PERSONAL “JUPITER REPORT” — YOUR MOMENTS OF OPPORTUNITY” — IS NOW AVAILABLE and makes an EXCELLENT HOLIDAY GIFT for your family and friends!!! This newest product is written by Raymond Merriman. It is a 30-40 page report that all traders (and even non-traders) will find to be of great value. 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). Why is this valuable? Because transits of Jupiter identify special opportunities for financial gains, success in one’s career and social life, popularity, and good fortune (luck) when under harmonious aspects and used correctly. However, they can also indicate periods of misjudgments leading to losses if Jupiter is afflicted and one is not properly prepared. As an added bonus, each transit is ranked from –3 to +3 in terms of favorability for trading. Traders may find this most 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!!!

Here is what others say about the new Jupiter Report, which was launched less than one month ago:

“I want to let you know how much I like the Jupiter Report. It is very detailed and informative! The graphs with the orb dates are very helpful.” — D.M.

 “The new report on Jupiter is very well done. The interpretations are insightful and inspiring, and the report itself is aesthetically pleasing and extremely informative as well as easy to read.” — H.V.A.

 NOTE 5: THE MMA Solar-Lunar App now offers reversal signals on the NASDAQ to all subscribers! Now there are four markets with daily weighted values provided: 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. Since it was first introduced three months ago, it has been uncannily accurate in identifying swing lows and highs in each market. It is available only on Apple products (iPhone and iPad) at this time, although we are getting close to developing it for Android phones, too, possibly by the end of this year.

How does it work? Based on historical frequencies, the higher the weighted value, the greater the probability of a swing trade reversal in the next 1-7 trading days (usually 2-5 days). Built into the app are instructions for ideal setups and explanatory FAQs. It’s pretty amazing!

P.S. The MMA Solar/Lunar App gives each market an average of one trade per week every five trading days. It is designed for “swing trades” looking for 2-5% moves from isolated lows or highs. If you like active trading signals based on solar/lunar combinations, the MMA App is for you!

To learn more about the MMA App, click here. To order it, go to Apple’s App Store and type in Merriman Solar/Lunar Reversals.

 NOTE 6: 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 7: MMA’s Free Weekly Column Podcast Is Available on SPOTIFY, APPLE, and AMAZON! Now you can listen to a podcast of this weekly column by Thomas Miller on Saturdays! 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 8: THE DECEMBER ISSUE OF THE MONTHLY MMA CYCLES REPORT WILL BE ISSUED DECEMBER 9-10 (Monday night)! It will be our last issue of the year. The MMA Monthly Cycles Report covers the 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 over the next several weeks, as well as trading strategies for both position and aggressive traders. If you want to try out a one-month subscription to the MMA Monthly Cycles Report, you can sign up for the December Report for only $35! Or save by ordering a three-report or twelve-report subscription.

EVENTS

December 8, 2024: THIS WILL BE THE NEXT SCHEDULED “SPECIAL MMA OPTIONS WEBINAR” with Derek Panaia, hosted by Raymond Merriman. It will also take place on Sunday of our next three-star critical reversal date (CRD) zone (Dec. 6-9). See Announcements above for details.

March 7-9, 2025: Cosmic Patterns Inc. presents its Convergence 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida. This will be one of the top astrological conferences of 2025 and will include a track on “Research and Financial Markets.” MMA market analysts Ray Merriman, Gianni Di Poce, Pouyan Zolfagharnia, Ulric Aspegrén, and Wiebke Held will speak, along with well-known financial astrologer Christeen Skinner of the U.K. There will also be several other well-known professional astrologers speaking, including Lynn Bell, Charlotte Benson, Georgia Stathis, Öner Döşer, Pam Gallagher, Demetra George, Aleksandar Imsiragic, Dr. Lea Imsiragic, Rick Levine, Darri Low Murphy, Anne Ortelee, Joni Patry, Kathy Rose, Gisele Terry, and Fei Cochrane. For further information, please go to https://cosmicpatternsconference.com/. You can also hear and read about this exciting gathering on YouTube (click here). SIGN UP NOW for the best rate before the next cutoff date.

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, 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.