The battle for the Senate: the Jan 5 Georgia run-off elections

(9 December 2020) With the failure of President Trump's attempts to overturn the election results after Monday's safe harbor deadline, attention is now focused on the upcoming Georgia Senate run-off elections on January 5.  Both Georgia Senate seats are up for grabs and the GOP only needs to win one of them for Mitch McConnell (left) to maintain control of the Senate.  The Democrats under the leadership of Chuck Schumer (right) therefore have to win both seats in order to gain control of the upper chamber and thereby boost Joe Biden's ambitious legislative agenda on taxes and the environment.  Polls suggest both races are very close and could go either way, although the GOP appears to have a slight advantage. 

While I may attempt a chart analysis of both contests (Perdue-Ossoff; Loeffler-Warnock) in the coming weeks, I thought I would examine the charts of the Senate leadership since the outcome is more likely to show up more directly in the horoscopes of McConnell and Schumer.  If the GOP wins one or both seats, then McConnell's chart should be positive.  If the Democrats win both seats and take control of the Senate, then Schumer's horoscope should clearly show it. 

While we lack timed horoscopes here, I would say that McConnell's chart looks better than Schumer's.  McConnell's Venus (12 Capricorn) may be pivotal in this respect as Jupiter and Saturn are approaching a double conjunction while Uranus and Chiron are also in auspicious and close alignments. Moreover, if the location of the Moon (11 Aries) is approximately accurate (for a midday birth) then these aspects should provide an additional benefit to McConnell and the GOP on January 5 since all those transits would energize not only Venus but the Moon as well. 

Chuck Schumer's chart looks less positive overall.  To be sure, the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction does align with his Venus (10 Scorpio) but by sextile (60 degrees) and not by the stronger conjunction.  It's good, but it seems to be not as good as McConnell's transit set up.  The other concern for Schumer is that there is a lot of Mars energy in his chart in the first week of January.  Transiting Mars aspects his Sun by 8th house aspect (210 degrees) and the Sun conjoins his natal Mars.  In some instances, this strong Mars energy can reflect intense situations without necessarily dictating bad outcomes.  But Mercury is aligned with Ketu, the South Lunar Node, on election day which is a more difficult placement.  Given these somewhat difficult transits, I think the GOP is more likely to win at least one seat in Georgia.

I will try to revisit these Senate elections by a closer look at the charts of the candidates themselves in the coming weeks.  But for now, there is no compelling astrological evidence to expect the Democrats to take control of the Senate in January.  The default position therefore remains divided government with the Democrats controlling the White House and the GOP controlling the Senate.



Weekly Market Forecast

US stocks declined today (Wednesday) as stimulus talks broke down once again.  While stocks remain bullish here, today's decline hints at rising volatility.  This volatility may well be reflective of the bearish Mars-Ketu alignment that I have noted in previous posts.  The Mars-Ketu alignment is now within range where it is more likely to coincide with falling markets.

The Sun is due to conjoin Ketu on Friday and thus provide an added measure of energy to its alignment with Mars. While all outcomes are possible, this alignment carries added downside risk.  The slower-moving Mars and Ketu will remain in alignment next week with Mercury conjoining Ketu early in the week.  This is another potential source of volatility as Ketu symbolizes interruptions in the status quo, often in a sudden or unexpected way.  


For more details, check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   I outline the key technical and planetary influences for US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, as well as currencies, gold and oil.

Looking ahead to the Biden presidency

  (2 December 2020) With the presidential transition now fully underway, this is a good opportunity to consider the possible contours of a Biden presidency.  No doubt, it will be a sharp contrast to the Trump presidency in terms of style, tone and policy.  Although widely seen as a moderate, Biden is expected to nonetheless move the country to the left through higher taxes on the wealthy and a renewed commitment to environmental and climate initiatives.  But how is the US likely to fare under his administration?

One useful perspective on this question is to examine the horoscope of Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC.   While the exact timing of Biden's swearing-in is significant, the Constitution stipulates that the incoming president assumes the duties of the office at noon.  Therefore, a chart cast for noon on Inauguration Day can reveal some of the significant themes and trends that could emerge over the next four years. 

Overall, the horoscope suggest major changes lie ahead for the US.  The Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in an inauguration chart indicate significant reforms and social change.  The Jupiter-Saturn conjunction occurs every 20 years or so and has marked the inauguration chart more recently of Reagan (1981) and Kennedy (1961).  Reagan ushered in free market de-regulation and lower taxes while the Kennedy era marked the beginnings of the Civil Rights movement and other liberalizing trends of the 1960s. 

The Biden inauguration chart suggests changes are more likely to focus on government itself since the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction occurs in Capricorn which is the sign in the 10th house denoting rulers and governance.  Moreover, Jupiter and Saturn will be conjunct the Sun, the planetary significator of leaders.  While it is difficult to predict the precise nature of any changes, some possibilities include eliminating the filibuster rule, increasing the number of justices on the Supreme Court, and major immigration reform.

We can see further evidence of change through the Mars-Uranus-Moon conjunction in the 1st house.  While this also signifies change, it looks less stable and frankly, more worrying.  The Mars-Uranus conjunction is almost exact and looks disruptive and even chaotic for the country as a whole.  Mars-Uranus can represent violence, conflict, and accidents and thus there is an elevated danger of major disasters (e.g. earthquakes) during the Biden administration.  A rise in domestic political violence or US involvement in an international conflict are other possibilities here. 

The proximity of the Moon (the people) to Mars-Uranus suggests popular agitation and, sadly, some suffering or a sense of national injury.  Transiting Rahu is due to conjoin the Mars-Uranus conjunction in early 2023 so that is one possible time window when this dangerous energy may manifest.  And we should pay special attention to the sign rulerships here:  Mars rules the 1st house/Aries which rules the chart/nation as a whole.  Uranus is therefore destabilizing the entire nation through its conjunction with the 1st house ruler, Mars.  It is worth noting that there has never been a Mars-Uranus conjunction in the 1st house for any previous inauguration. 

The economy may also be a source of concern during a Biden administration.  Rahu afflicts the 2nd house of wealth, although happily the 2nd house ruler, Venus, is well-placed in the 9th house.  However, Mercury, the planet of commerce and business, is closely aspected by Rahu.  This is a negative influence for the economy.  The square with Neptune (24 Aquarius) is also unhelpful in this respect as Neptune tends to have a weakening and dissolute influence, especially when in alignment with a malefic such as Rahu. 

Generally, the stars do not look auspicious for the Biden presidency.  The inauguration horoscope suggests the Biden administration is going to be tested by some significant challenges during its tenure.  While some changes and reforms could prove beneficial for the US over the long term, the next four years may be difficult.



Weekly Market Forecast

Stocks have continued to defy gravity so far this week as investors anticipated some positive developments from Congress with the contentious stimulus package.  Jupiter's bullish influence is supporting the market here as its key alignments in the Dow and NYSE horoscopes is still within range. 

However, Jupiter's influence is more likely to gradually diminish as it approaches its conjunction with Saturn on December 21.  This could make it more difficult for the stock market to extend its rally. 

More immediately, the Mars-Ketu alignment is due to tighten in the coming days.  The alignment is exact next week (Dec 11) although its probable negative impact could be felt several days before.  The rest of this week could go either way, although the rising Mars influence suggests a growing downside risk. 


For more details, check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   I outline the key technical and planetary influences for US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, as well as currencies, gold and oil.

Dow hits record high 30,000 on vaccine optimism and Biden transition

(25 November 2020) Stocks extended their November rally this week as the latest vaccine announcement reassured investors that the end of the pandemic is now within reach.  Markets also cheered the start of the formal transition process of the incoming Biden administration as President Trump finally backed off from his previous objections.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a new all-time record high on Tuesday as it closed above 30,000 for the first time.  

Despite the lockdowns and widespread economic hardship, stocks have rallied off the March low on unprecedented intervention by the Federal Reserve and other central banks around the world.  Markets are now anticipating a return to normal growth in 2021 post-Covid, albeit with continuing support from the Fed.

From an astrological view, the ongoing strength in stocks in recent days is not all that surprising.  As I noted in last week's post, the once-a-year entry of Jupiter into sidereal Capricorn late last week is often accompanied by optimism which can take prices higher, if only briefly.  What is less certain is how long this positive Jupiter influence can last. 

Previously, I suggested that Jupiter's entry into Capricorn meant that it was also approaching its conjunction with Saturn on December 21.  This is likely to be a less favourable influence on market sentiment since Saturn is associated with caution and disappointment.  But since both planets move quite slowly, the specific time window when declines can occur is more difficult to predict. 

For another perspective, let's take a look at the natal chart of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, launched May 26, 1896 after the close of trading.  Quickly, we can see why November has been a good month for US stocks.  Transiting Jupiter (1 Capricorn) aligns very closely with Venus (1 Taurus) and Mercury (1 Gemini).  Usually, this sort of Jupiter alignment is bullish and we can see that the Dow has hit a record this week just as the alignments are exact.  In addition to the bullish Jupiter aspects, there is an absence of any strong malefic influences at this time.

But we should note that optimism usually begins to diminish in the days following an exact Jupiter aspect so it is unclear how much higher stocks could go in the short term.  The fading influence of Jupiter here suggests the market rally may be due for a breather, especially as Jupiter conjoins Saturn in December.  Any negative effects of the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction could well be compounded by the approaching Mars-Ketu alignment which will be exact in the second week of December. 

However, one saving grace is that the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction and the Mars-Ketu alignment will not form close aspects with any key planets in the natal chart.  Rahu is conjunct with Neptune, of course, but this is not an especially strong influence in my view.  This suggests that any pullback we may see in the days ahead is unlikely to cause much lasting damage to the market rally. 


For more details, check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   I outline the key technical and planetary influences for US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, as well as currencies, gold and oil.

Markets weigh vaccine hopes against new lockdowns

  (18 November 2020) Stock markets have been fairly positive in recent days as the Moderna vaccine news gave investors more reason to hope for a return to normal in 2021.  Some of that optimism had faded by Wednesday's session, however, as new lockdowns were announced in various cities and states across the US and Europe.  So while markets tend to look 6-12 months into the future, the prospect of fresh lockdowns challenges the bullish view of a slow but steady improvement in the economy. 

Stocks have been mostly bullish in November, in part due to the conjunction of Jupiter with Pluto which was exact on Nov 12.  Jupiter is a bullish planet, of course, and its conjunctions with outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, Chiron and Pluto) usually coincide with up trends in the market.  The bullish effects of the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction are usually felt 5-10 days before the date of the exact conjunction and a lesser number of days afterwards, perhaps 2-5 days.  In last week's post, I thought we would see some lingering positive effects of the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction carry over into this week and Monday was positive.  It also coincided with the typically bullish entry of Venus into Libra. 

But sentiment has soured somewhat over the past two days, most likely due to the simultaneous alignment of the Sun and Venus with Saturn.  Alignments involving bearish Saturn tend to coincide with declines, especially when the aspects are close.  The Sun and Venus made a near-exact alignment with Saturn today so that negative influence could diminish as soon as tomorrow.


Jupiter in Capricorn

Tomorrow is also potentially significant since it is the day that Jupiter enters the sign of Capricorn, according the sidereal/Indian zodiac.  This sets up a sort of good news/bad news scenario.   The good news is that Jupiter changes signs about once a year and it often marks positive market developments, if only briefly.  Just as the Venus sign change on Monday coincided with some upside, there is some reason to think that we could see some upside Thursday and/or Friday from this Jupiter effect.  Tomorrow is a tougher call, however, since the bearish Sun-Venus-Saturn alignment will still be quite close, especially in the morning when the Moon will conjoin Saturn.  Nonetheless, the prospect of a Jupiter sign change suggests that some gains are possible late this week.

However, the bad news is Jupiter's entry into Capricorn means it will eventually conjoin Saturn, with the exact conjunction taking place on December 21.   All other things being equal, Jupiter-Saturn alignments carry an elevated downside risk.  Jupiter-Saturn conjunctions occur every 20 years are associated with bear markets or at least bull market tops.  The previous Jupiter-Saturn conjunction occurred in May 2000, just as stocks were beginning to retreat from their tech bubble peak earlier that year.

Before that, Jupiter conjoined Saturn in July 1981 during a recession when the market in the middle of a down trend.  Of course, there are always exceptions.  The preceding conjunction of February 1961 coincided with a rising market so it is important to think of these alignments probabilistically.  Nonetheless, the upcoming Jupiter-Saturn conjunction is another reason to be skeptical about the current rally, especially given the range of headwinds the market now faces.


Jupiter could benefit Trump

The entry of Jupiter into Capricorn could also provide a lift to President Trump's fortunes.  As I have noted previously, over the next week or two Jupiter will aspect Trump's 10th house which symbolizes status and power.  While it could represent some positive developments on other fronts, I do wonder if some of his legal challenges will gain traction.  So far, they have gone nowhere.  And yet given Trump's rising fortunes and the likely simultaneous falling fortunes of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris (due to Saturn's placement at 4 Capricorn (square to Harris' Sun and Moon), it is possible this election intrigue could last a bit longer.  I still think Biden will win, but we could take a strange detour to get there.  Let's see how it plays out.


For more details, check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   I outline the key technical and planetary influences for US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, as well as currencies, gold and oil.

Trump challenges US election results

  (11 Nov 2020)  Despite Joe Biden's widening lead in the vote count, President Donald Trump has yet to concede to his Democratic opponent in the US election.  Instead, Trump has claimed that Biden has benefited from voter fraud in several hotly contested states.  To this end, the Department of Justice this week launched investigations into apparent irregularities in the vote which could form the basis of a formal legal challenge to the results.  Since Biden's lead is less than 1% in several states, it is possible that state outcomes could be reversed if significant fraud is uncovered and illegal votes are removed from the tally.

Trump's refusal to concede isn't surprising, since he already stated that he would not accept a loss in the election.  While the media and many world leaders have already recognized Joe Biden as the winner and President-Elect, there has not yet been a formal announcement by the overseeing office of the GSA.  Given the recounts now underway and possible legal challenges, formal announcement of the winner and certification of the results may take several more days at least.

Trump's shift to offense this week following last week's apparent defeat was in keeping with my expectations.  In last week's post, I thought that Trump was likely to enjoy some kind of boost from the Venus transit to his natal Jupiter (24 Virgo).  Not only did Attorney-General William Barr announce the electoral fraud investigation, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also spoke in support of Trump's right to verify the results before committing to any transition process with the incoming Biden administration.  As a reflection of Trump's shift to offense, the political betting market Predictit.org saw a small, but marked, move towards his re-election from a low a 8% last week to 18% today. 

I still think Joe Biden is likely to be the next president, but the planets suggests that Trump will not go quietly.  Previously, I suggested that Trump's fortunes would rise further next week as Jupiter entered Capricorn (Nov 19-20) and would align with his 10th house cusp representing status and success.  And as if to offer confirmation, Joe Biden's chart showed an affliction to his 12th house Mars towards the end of next week. 

Just to round out the analysis this week, we can take a look at the natal chart of the US and the chart of the would-be vice-president, Kamala Harris. As I outlined in a previous post, this year's post-election planetary alignments have a similarity to the post-election patterns of the contested 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore.  One of the main similarities was the placement of Saturn.  In 2000, Saturn was closely aspecting the USA's natal Mercury at 3 Cancer by 3rd house aspect.  This year, Saturn (3 Capricorn) will exactly oppose Mercury over the next two weeks or so.  Saturn's affliction to Mercury here symbolizes frustration, disruption and distortion, especially as they pertain to the election.  Elections are associated with Mercury,as it is the planet that rules matters of rational calculation. 

The Saturn-Mercury alignment will be in special focus late next week, perhaps around the time that Venus and the Sun also align at 3 degrees of their respective signs.  This could represent a significant development related to the election results and Trump's attempt to overturn the results.  As an added layer of affliction in the chart, transiting Mars will align with the natal Sun and Saturn which suggests conflict and strife.  Interestingly, this is also the day that Jupiter enters Capricorn which could give Trump a boost. 

 

Another perspective on this disputed election result is seen in the chart of Kamala Harris, the Democratic VP nominee.  Saturn is also front and center in her chart at this time as it aligns exactly with her Sun (4 Libra) and Moon (4 Aries).  The Saturn influence is usually negative and suggests some kind of burden or setback, especially when in hard aspect as it is here. 

Sometimes, the Saturn influence can translate into a greater sense of responsibility which may not be unwanted or even difficult.  Therefore, it is not impossible that this alignment could formally give her and Biden the election victory.   But this more benign Saturn scenario seems less probable.  While Harris' chart is still quite strong overall at this time, a temporary setback of some kind is quite possible.  In the zero-sum game of politics, it would seem that negatives for Harris (and Biden) could turn into positives for Trump, and vice-versa.  Let's see how Trump's legal challenges unfold.


Weekly Market Forecast

Stocks have continued to their post-election rally this week, especially after Monday's Pfizer vaccine news.  While I thought we might have seen more volatility in this post-election period, I nonetheless expected some upside around Thursday's Jupiter-Pluto conjunction.  This bullish pairing takes place once a year and is usually positive for sentiment in the days leading up to its conjunction.  The days following the conjunction is usually less reliably bullish, however, although the bullish effects can sometimes linger.

This year the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction could have a lingering bullish influence since it will also form an alignment with the Sun and Venus that lasts into early next week.  Monday is also noteworthy as Venus leaves Virgo and enters the sign of Libra.  Venus sign changes are often bullish so there is some prospect for further upside, at least into early next week. 


For more details, check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   I outline the key technical and planetary influences for US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, as well as currencies, gold and oil.

US election aftermath: Biden closes in on the presidency

  (4 November 2020) Democrat nominee Joe Biden seems to be on the verge of winning the presidency tonight as the former vice president only needs to win one more state to reach the threshold of 270 Electoral Votes.  The several remaining undeclared states are still too close to call as mail-in ballots will decide the final outcome. Not surprisingly, President Donald Trump is already contesting the results and has requested a recount in Wisconsin and an investigation into Arizona's mail-in ballots.  

Biden's current lead in the voting is not unexpected as I had previously suggested that the planets on Election Day favoured him over Trump.  The current Jupiter-Pluto conjunction at 27-28 Sagittarius aligned very closely with his unequal 10th house cusp (26 Leo) of status and career.  Also the Sun conjoined his natal Mercury (19 Libra) today which provided an additional infusion of energy.  Since the Sun rules his 10th house of status while Mars rules his 1st house, this 1-10 combination is a powerful signature for public profile and success. 

As we know, President Trump's chart is quite afflicted this week as the Mercury-Saturn square aligns closely with his Venus-Saturn conjunction in the 12th house of loss.  The difference in transits between Trump and Biden is stark.   Trump's Saturn and 12th house influences are clear negatives while Biden's Jupiter and 10th house influences are positive. 

So is this the end of the US election?  Knowing Trump has stated that he will not accept a losing result, it does seem likely that he will try to fight on.  First, the counts have not yet been finalized so he could still conceivably win Nevada, Arizona, and Pennsylvania.  And even if he loses, he is likely to pursue full recounts and legal challenges. 

In last week's post, I thought that Trump's fortunes might begin to improve next week.  Venus will conjoins his dasha lord Jupiter (24 Virgo) on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Both planets are benefics and generally denote favourable outcomes.  Moreover, Venus will align with his natal Uranus (24 Taurus) and with Rahu (26 Taurus) and thus we could see a significant development which boosts Trump's chances.  And by this time, transiting Saturn will have moved off its opposition alignment to his natal Venus.  This will further reduce his level of chart affliction. 

However, I would not say this Venus transit can completely alter the post-election dynamic since Biden's chart does not seem clearly afflicted.  Biden may see a small setback next week as Mercury aligns with his Moon and Ketu and then conjoins his equal 12th house cusp.  This is only a brief transit, however, so I would not expect a reversal of his fortunes.  But it could be something that keeps Trump's hopes alive.

More important is the entry of Jupiter into sidereal Capricorn in the following week on November 20.  This could be more positive for Trump since it will align closely with his unequal 10th house cusp (MC).  This is likely to give him a significant boost. 

As it happens, Biden will see Mercury conjoin his Mars on Nov 20.  Coincidentally, this is also Biden's 78th birthday.  Mercury-Mars is usually a stressful combination that coincides with frustrations and small setbacks.  I don't think Biden will lose the election at this time, but it could keep the final outcome in doubt for a while longer.  I will post further updates as the post-election period continues to unfold.


Weekly Market Forecast

Stocks have rallied this week as investors shrugged off the election uncertainty.  Markets appear to be pricing in a Biden win and Republican-controlled Senate.  Typically, the stock market prefers the gridlock of a divided government where the presidency and Congress are controlled by different parties.  This would likely limit the more radical parts of the Democrats agenda (tax increases, green infrastructure) while keeping stimulus packages more modest. 

I thought we might have seen more volatility this week around the election given the ongoing Mercury-Saturn square.  One possible reason for the gains is the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction which will become exact next week.  This bullish pairing is within one degree of exact this week and may have outweighed any negative effects of the Mercury-Saturn thus far. 

Nonetheless, the Mercury-Saturn square is exact tomorrow and Friday so there is a reasonable chance we could see a rise in volatility later this week and perhaps into early next week.


For more details, check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   I outline the key technical and planetary influences for US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, as well as currencies, gold and oil.


Biden Photo: C-Span.org

Trump still lagging in polls; stocks plunge on European lockdowns

  (28 October 2020) The campaign has now entered its final week ahead of next Tuesday's election.  The national polls suggest President Donald Trump is trailing Democrat nominee Joe Biden by about 7 points.  However, some key swing states such as Pennsylvania and Florida are much closer races and keep open the possibility of a 2016-style come from behind win by Trump.  Therefore, if he can eke out narrow wins in these states as he did in 2016, he could still end up losing the popular vote by 3 or 4 points and remain president.   That scenario still seems unlikely since Biden's lead is larger than Hillary Clinton's was, but as we know, polls are not always right.

From an astrological perspective, the planets still don't favour Trump next week.  As I have noted previously, the election night transits look worse for Trump than for Biden.  Mercury will station direct on Election Day while in an exact square aspect with Saturn.  This is a very difficult combination that suggests a range of negative situations including disappointment, confusion, deception, disruption and frustration.  At a general level, it suggests the election will not go smoothly.  This isn't a very bold prediction, given all of the controversy about mailed ballots and Trump's public declaration to contest the results if he doesn't like the outcome. 

Trump's problem is that the Mercury-Saturn square occurs at a pivotal point in his horoscope.  It forms another square alignment with his Venus-Saturn conjunction in early Cancer.  Square aspects are often difficult and coincide with unwanted situations.  And Saturn's double involvement here indicates a stressful and unfavourable period for Trump next week.  To put it plainly: this is not an alignment one usually sees in a winning candidate's chart.

Other transits are also unhelpful for Trump's re-election.  Rahu (North Lunar Node) is conjunct its natal position and suggests major changes afoot.  Mars (21 Pisces) forms an exact 135 degree alignment with Trump's Ascendant (6 Leo).  This is indicative of conflict and anger.  Mars is due to station direct at 21 Pisces in mid-November and is one reason why Trump is more likely to have fewer votes than Biden on Nov 3 and why is likely to contest the results.  Mars is the planet of war, of course, and Trump will likely go to war with the Democrats over this election. 

But as I have also noted before, Trump's chart does improve somewhat later in November and in December as Jupiter aligns with his Midheaven (unequal 10th house cusp) at 1 Taurus.  This suggests that post-election developments may be more positive for him, perhaps reflecting legal successes if he contests the outcome.  I would think he gets some good news on the week following the election (Nov 9-13) as Venus conjoins his Jupiter. 

As I've said before, I still think Biden's chart is better in early January when Congress meets to count the Electoral College votes.  For this reason, I think he is more likely to become president on January 20, 2021.  But I admit I don't feel too strongly about it, partially because it is now unclear exactly when the election will be decided.  


Weekly Market Forecast

US stocks fell more than 3% today as Germany and France announced Covid lockdowns to deal with the second wave of the pandemic.  The recent decline seems to reflect the bearish influence of the Venus transit of Virgo, its sign of debilitation.  Venus entered sidereal Virgo on October 23 and will leave that sign of November 16.  This suggests that stocks are more likely to struggle during that four-week period.  That said, it does not mean that the market will fall throughout the transit, but rather it will be marked by declines at different points during the transit. 

With market uncertainty likely to rise with next week's election, it seems quite possible that stocks could fall further.  The Mercury-Saturn alignment on Election Day is a bearish combination in any event so no matter who ends up winning, market sentiment is likely to suffer.  While Mercury-Saturn squares are bearish, this particular one may be especially bearish since Mercury will end its retrograde cycle on November 3 and return to direct motion.  This direct station means that Mercury will remain within Saturn's bearish influence for several days, instead of the usual one. 


For more details, check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   I outline the key technical and planetary influences for US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, as well as currencies, gold and oil.