MMA FREE WEEKLY COLUMN FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING NOVEMBER 25, 2024

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 Republicans are feeling a lot perkier about the economy now that Donald Trump is on his way to the White House. Democrats, less so. The index of consumer sentiment in Republican households climbed more than 15 points in November, according to data released Friday by the University of Michigan. In Democratic households, the same index fell by over 10 points.

—Harriet Torrey, “Republicans Are Feeling Good Again, Driving Up Consumer Sentiment: Democrats’ Sentiment Slips, but Overall Index Ticks Higher,” www.wsj.com, November 22, 2024.

There are two main planks to that (Trump economic) agenda: tax cuts and deregulation to bolster economic growth; and tariffs to reduce the trade deficit and bring back factory jobs. The problem is that these two planks are in conflict. Faster growth and bigger budget deficits boost imports and the dollar, widening the trade deficit and making U.S. manufacturers less competitive. Tariffs dent consumer spending and business confidence and put upward pressure on inflation and interest rates, undermining growth. Trump can make stronger growth or a smaller trade deficit his priority, but not both.

—Greg Ip, “When Two Economic Goals Collide,” Wall Street Journal, November 22, 2024.

The post-election rally in U.S. stocks resumed after posting a somewhat steep trading cycle low on November 19, well within orb of our November 15-18 two-star CRD (geocosmic critical reversal date). The DJIA had fallen over 1500 points from its all-time high of 44,486 on November 11 to a low of 42,938. It then roared back to close the week at 44,296, within striking distance of its recent all-time high. The rally in the S&P and NASDAQ was not quite as strong, which means U.S. stock indices could be setting up for a case of intermarket bearish divergence next week or even into our December 6-9 three-star CRD, just in time for our next MMA Options webinar on December 8 (see Announcements below).

The divergence of stock indices was noticeable on a global level. The U.S. and Australia posted nice gains last week (the ASX made another new all-time high), but other markets posted new multi-month lows, including the Netherlands AEX, Zurich SMI, Hang Seng of Hong Kong, India’s NIFTY index, and Brazil’s Bovespa. Something is uneven in the world financial system these days, which might become more newsworthy as Mercury starts its next three-week retrograde cycle this Monday, November 25.

The big market story last week was Bitcoin, which came very close to $100,000 on Friday. Gold was a good story, too, as it soared to 2717 on Friday, up sharply from its 50-week cycle low of 2541 the prior week. We are still waiting for Silver to explode after dipping slightly below $30.00 the prior week. It remains well off its multi-year high of 35.07 posted on October 22-23. Crude had a nice rally, rising to 71.51 on Friday, up smartly from its triple bottom of 66.61 on Monday, November 18.

With the Sun now entering Sagittarius as of Thursday night, November 21, sharp rallies would be the norm in many financial markets now. Conventional market analysts will call this the annual “Santa Claus” rally. However, we believe it has more to do with the expansive nature of Sagittarius than a belief in Santa.

 SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS

“But I am wondering if we’ll ever see a 5% (mortgage rate) number because anything with the 5% in front of it is going to make this market go ballistic,” Barbara Corcoran said on “Cavuto: Coast to Coast” on Thursday. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed closer to 7% this week, as Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed that the average benchmark rate rose to 6.84% from last week’s reading of 6.78%.

—Kristen Altus, “Barbara Corcoran Reveals What Will Make Real Estate ‘Go Ballistic’ in 2025,” www.foxbusiness.com, November 22, 2025.

She’s absolutely right, and this was part of our Forecast 2024, which basically said that if the Democrats want to keep control of the White House, they will need to get mortgage rates down to 5.5%. It didn’t happen—yet. But it still could by spring 2025.

For this week, we find the return of our old nemesis, the Trickster. Mercury turns retrograde on Monday evening (EST, November 25-December 15) at 22° Sagittarius. This will be an interesting three weeks for the Trickster, as it will be in its detriment sign where thoughts and ideas may be grand yet exaggerated. It also means there could be large errors in judgment and communications. Make sure when you decide to buy, you click “buy” and not “sell” in your orders. That is assuming your internet connection doesn’t fail you right at the time you wish to place the order. It would also be a good policy to underestimate your facts and promises to others and maybe even abstain from signing agreements. It’s a time for discovery, not for settlements.

As far as markets go, I don’t expect any major reversals just because the Trickster is back. Yet, keep in mind that the last time Mercury turned retrograde was on August 5, and that is when the last primary cycle low in many markets occurred. So, it could happen again since Mercury is now turning retrograde in the fire element. Fire wants action, so it is prone to buy when prices are low. I don’t think they are that low yet in the U.S.

In spite of that, our focus is more on December 6-9, when Mars and Neptune change directions, with the opposition between the Sun and Jupiter. Something “big” is likely around that time as both Sagittarius and Jupiter like things “big.” “Big” reversals often happen when two or more planets change direction close in time to one another.

LONGER-TERM THOUGHTS

 It’s the end of an era. Pluto leaves Capricorn now (as of last week), where it has reigned for nearly 16 years. You might call that the Age of Authoritarianism, the rise of central government controls over the lives of populations, and the rise of worldwide debt as a result of excessive government spending and stimulus programs. Capricorn is associated with “controls” and Pluto with “debt,” but also reform, threats, and coercion. Capricorn also rules the elderly, as well as both the wisdom and the costs that they bring to society.

Now, Pluto moves into the futuristic, youthful, revolutionary Aquarius sign for the next 20 years. Aquarius relates to new forms of energy, space travel, technological inventions, innovations, and applications. It rules outer space. Thus, we might find we enter a “Nuclear Age,” for better or worse. On the one hand, with Pluto (threat), we very well could see a nuclear threat, even war, and wars fought with robots and strategies involving the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence). On the other hand, we could also see a pronounced effort to ban the use of nuclear weapons in war and seek world peace and more efficient sources of energy. We could experience both in the next two decades.

The end of an era and the start of a new one is also taking place in the field of professional astrology and in my own life. The field of astrology lost one of its greats, one of our legends, this month. Michael Lutin rose up to the cloud. He was one of only six astrologers to have received the highest award in professional astrology: The Marion March Regulus Lifetime Achievement for Astrology, awarded at the Untied Astrological Congress in New Orleans in 2012. The award is given in honor of Marion March, the “czarina” of Astrology who was instrumental in the founding of UAC in 1986 and the co-author (with Joan McEvers) of “The Only Way to Learn Astrology” books, which have been the gateway books of many of today’s professional astrologers.

Lutin’s role in the evolution of astrology from a hobby to a profession was profound. Not only was he a professional astrologer of over 50 years, author of several books, and teacher to thousands of students, but he was also an off-Broadway playwright. He was most beloved because he brought his playwriting and comedic production skills to the astrology community. He made us laugh and cry while simultaneously elevating our consciousness with the depth of his messages within each play. They always carried the themes of current-day astrology as they relate to the human experience. He was funny—incredibly funny. He was complex. He was brilliant and original. He was an amazing astrologer and, most of all, a remarkable person who lived an extraordinary life, mostly in New York City and Paris.

Lutin’s passing ends an era in astrology. For many, it coincides with an ending and beginning of a new era in our individual and professional lives.

Personally, I have decided to end an era and begin a new venture in my own life. I will be moving to Miami Beach, Florida, in January with my wife, Antonia Langsdorf. I am excited about this new venture at this stage of my life, and excitement and inspiration are two experiences that I will always seek. I’m not selling my beautiful house just outside of Scottsdale, Arizona, just in case I want to return to my desert oasis in 2026. But I will rent it out for one year in case anyone on this list is interested (contact Doreen at resikedoreen@gmail.com). I will leave my astrology and history books here in case anyone wants to go down the path I have traveled for the past 50 years. A lot of treasures have been discovered along this path. And I am looking forward to new discoveries (and sunshine and ocean breezes) in Miami Beach in 2025.

Pluto in Aquarius, here we come! Drop your swords and shields, and let’s innovate and discover new ways to cohabitate harmoniously on this planet in this “New Aira.”

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

 NOTE 1: 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, will be issued this 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 ABOUT 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!

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, 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.

September 10-15, 2025: THE MMA ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETREAT! The location is to be determined, but we are considering Costa Rica and Panama as leading possibilities. For now, just SAVE THE DATE as you make your travel plans for next year.

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.