2005 MARKET FORECASTS
FINANCIAL ASTROLOGY:
It is NOT WHAT you know, but WHEN you know it.
© Henry Weingarten Last Updated:
Much of the following material has been serialized in WALL STREET, NEXT WEEK
and our subscriber
premium channels. This will next be updated in May after our 11th Astrology and Stock
Market Seminar May 13-15, 2005 in New York City.
Notes: Hyper links that are prefaced with a S: are restricted to WSNW Subscribers.
This forecast was first posted on our web site in November in our
premium
channels for WSNW
subscribers.
WILL US FED POLICY PREVENT A JAPANESE
OUTCOME OR JUST DELAY IT?
HOW WILL CURRENT AND FUTURE US MILITARY ADVENTURES HELP OR HINDER
THE WAR ON TERROR?
WILL THE US DOLLAR FIGHT BACK OR REALLY TAKE A DIVE?
"The real issue for investors is whether the economy slows
significantly next year, and how fast corporate profits
grow." FT Lex Column
Intermediate Term, the 2004 US Presidential election is only One
of Seven Market-Driving Forces in 2005. The others are Terrorism,
Iraq, Oil, Valuation, Interest Rates and the Economy. Just as
Democrats and Republicans were roughly and highly evenly divided,
so are market Bears and Bulls today. The former see the cup as half
full with continued worries about the three "I"s: Iraq, Interest Rates
and Inflation that will result in further economic slowdown and reduced
corporate profits overall in 2005. The latter, while acknowledging that
there are many dangerous and difficult challenges ahead, view the post
October 25 markets not as a bear market rally, but as the beginning or
continuation of filling up a half empty economic cup. The two
sharply different worldviews are likely to continue to clash in
2005. In such a yo-yo market, it is not so much macro economic
views but
the quality of individual companies and the individual prospects that
should determine most stock buying in 2005. Furthermore, active trading
and/or frequent profit taking is required in order to sustain portfolio
growth.
Long Term, we consider the long term economic fallout of the
US Iraq invasion quite severe and believe that global markets can
retest or break their 2004 lows. It is only a matter of time before
more and more savvy international investors move more of their
money out of the US stock market and invest in countries that they feel
are in better shape than the US. We now recommend US investors
in 2005 have up to 50% of their portfolio outside of US dollar
denominated assets, or use gold and currencies hedges for similar
protection.
Indexing will again be a loser in H1 2005. I therefore recommend
increase use of Exchange traded funds [ETFs], which are passively
managed,
low-cost, batax efficientskets of stocks that focus on countries,
sectors, regions or indices. Even market bulls are concerned about
specific asset classes and betting on individual sectors they
prefer. My view remains that stock selection continues to be paramount
and count more than sector rotation; it is as important as market
timing! Also, while the internal Stock Market astrology, as in 2003
and 2004, is mixed, the external risk potential continues to be
abnormally high.
Given that the traditional "Buy and Hold" investing strategy will
continue to under perform, we again recommend trading 50% in
"investing" portfolios in 2004. TAKE/PROTECT PROFITS CONTINUOUSLY.
BOTTOM LINE:
DON'T BUY AND HOLD. THE STOCK MARKET REMAINS A DANGEROUS PLACE.
I ADVISE KEEPING A BALANCED AND DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO, AVOID MARGIN
DEBT AND BE CASH RICH.
There are five primary celestial and terrestrial phenomena affecting
world events and global markets in 2005/H1 2006:
- The Inauguration of President Bush
January 20, 2005,
- April 8 Total Solar Eclipse.
- Saturn moving into Leo July
16 and Jupiter into Scorpio
October 26,
- Jupiter makes the first of 3 waning
squares to Saturn December 17 and
- The continuing World War on Terror
and the Iraq aftermath.
Four Big Investing Ideas
1. US
DOLLAR REMAINS UNDER PRESSURE
Will the dollar stabilize, weaken or strengthen going forward? The long
term structural problem of the US current account deficit has yet to be
addressed. The
dollar should remain in a secular bear market for years due to its
negative fundamentals. Unfortunately, for Americans, US interest rates
will rise not only for future inflationary worries, but also due to a
lower US dollar. Our US Dollar Index Fair Value
today is under 85, with 82.80 to .81.20 lows probable and .78 possible
in 2005! While there will be tradable (sellable) rallies, they
will be only short term and not a long term trend reversal. This
will occur when either the US changes its economic policies
(unlikely), or the US dollar is trading below .85 with stability, i.e.
.80-82 support seems likely to hold. There is
also the lurking danger that the US will no longer be the world's sole
reserve currency. This risk has increased greatly with the
re-election of President Bush. To forestall or minimize this danger, it
may become necessary for the FED to defend the US dollar or that
outright intervention from the US Treasury in the currency markets may
be necessary. Given the US dollar secular decline, we continue to
recommend that All investors need to diversify their investments
globally. Additionally many blue chip foreign investments are more
attractive investments with stock prices cheaper by most valuation
measures: price to earnings, price to sales and price to book.
Our recommended US equity portfolios international stock
allocation remains 50%.
2. A WAR TIME ECONOMY: GUNS AND CAVIAR REDUX
These are extraordinary times, where geopolitical risk and
outlook continue to outweigh normal stock market . considerations
trends. As this will take money away from more productive areas
of the economy, we are far from bullish intermediate
term. Fears of deflation and interest rate cuts left US and UK
government bond yields at multi-decade lows in H1 2004. Today
both suffer, from a sharp increase in supply, the former more so
due to massive tax cuts underway as well as military adventures and
increased defense spending. Next we could see a very nasty bear market
in bonds. Remember: Life jackets, Deadbolts, Smoke and Fire
Alarms etc. do NOT provide you with Financial security. Liquidity,
Global Diversification and hard assets such as gold DO offer some
protection.
3.
GLOBAL HOUSE PRICES and THE
US HOUSING BUBBLE
"The U.S. housing market has become a bubble which will burst in
mid-2005, forcing the U.S. Federal Reserve to cut interest rates and
exposing the economy to the threat of deflation once again. Prices are
10% to 20% too high and will take roughly five years to fall."
Ian Morris, HSBC Securities USA
Globally, property prices remain at very high levels. They have
risen exorbitantly in relation to average income. A return to fair
value could happen by 1) a
fall in house prices or 2) by a rise in wages and rents. A
third possibility is that housing prices will stagnate for as
long as eight years. It could be said [The Economist] that house prices
are over-valued by up to 33% as low interest rates have allowed more
and more people to borrow large amounts to buy a home or investment
property. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) researchers have
found that historically, the bigger the boom in house prices, the
bigger the bust. Central bankers are as likely to be concerned about
this as financial astrologers. Saturn in Cancer (home) suggests it is
more
than past time to begin (accelerate) reducing exposure to the still
robust housing sector.
Housing, along with Commodities and Physicals can be viewed as an
Asset Class along with Stocks, Bonds and Cash by many investors.
Positively, there is the enjoyment factor: most woman would prefer to
have an additional 100K in a home than in a portfolio. Housing also
appeals to safety concerns in times of trouble, but home buying is
cooling. Record low interest rates have ended. Other negatives include
the fact that the ratio of home prices to home rental rates is too
high, while the value of individually owned residential property to
disposable income is at a 50 year high. Classically, Real Estate
weakens 12-24 months after a market collapse. Thanks to the Fed, this
did not happen when individual stock prices returned to pre-1998 pricing.
I still see the probability of a housing drop of 10-35% [depending on
location and individual property] over the next 6-12 months while
Saturn remains in Cancer (Housing. Let's not forget what Saturn at the
end of Gemini (Communications) did to Telecoms. Hopefully it will NOT
be that bad: Favorable tax treatment, along with continuing demand,
could make this a slowing market with a soft instead of hard landing
before July 2005 when Saturn leaves Cancer [home] for Leo. Note:
Optimists believe strong housing demand
will mitigate things resulting in just a reversal of the McMansion
trend
of bigger housing, lower quality homes and 40 year mortgages eventually
replacing 30 year ones. Pessimists believe positive factors such as
population growth is already factored into housing prices. Either way,
buyers will benefit more than sellers.
4. INFLATION AND THE HOUR GLASS OR BIFOCAL ECONOMY
US Bonds will take a small hit, unless there is
more terrorism. Spin it as they may, the economy is not only slower
than many Wall Streeters believe, but it will get slightly worse before
it gets markedly better. Also the CPI has been significantly
understating inflation for years. Bill Gross of Pimco is quite correct
in pointing out the CPI
con job. It understates inflation (the cost of living as
well this year as well as last year). I recommend an allocation of of
25%-30% of one's US Bond portfolio into TIPS (Treasury Inflation
Protection Securities) for non-taxable accounts and I bonds for
taxable ones and/or Canadian Real Return Bonds. Commodities, especially
gold, is another appropriate hedge for many portfolios. We expect
to see $500 gold perhaps as early as July 2005. We will continue
to underweight REITS into H1 2005. The emperor has no clothes and is
Alan Greenspan: Playing
the Fool Or the Scoundrel? What would happen should the public lose
faith in Alan's credibility? I shudder to think.
Global Stock markets in 2005 will be determined largely
by answering four questions:
Q1: Will the US Dollar remain the sole global reserve
currency?
Q2: Will Energy Prices Stay High?
Q3: Who will be helped/hurt the most by the lower/higher US
dollar?
Q4: What P/e's will investors be willing to pay for
modest corporate growth?
TWO BIG WILD CARDS:
1) The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) requirement for
expensing options is likely to result in a strong
Nasdaq midyear fall, as it would reduce up to 44% the profits of a
a number of Nasdaq high flyers.
2) The partial privatization of social security would result in a stock
market bonus, but a US bond hit.
SHORTING AND MARKET NEUTRAL INVESTING FOR EXPERIENCED INVESTORS
In order to sleep soundly at night, I recommend a Hedge Fund style
Market Neutral Strategy for much of 2005. This involves both buying
under valued and selling short overvalued stocks. This is often best
done in industry pairs: going long quality stocks and shorting lower
quality ones, as it involves the smallest risk, but the most
work. Alternately, stocks can be hedged against their individual sector
membership or the overall market: Buying a stock and selling its sector
or broad market index, or Selling a stock and buying its sector index
or the overall market. For example, take our favorite November
2004-2005 short Google (GOOG), has a history very similar to Yahoo
mania. A GOOG short could be paired with Buying another Internut like
YHOO. Or one could buy the Internet Index (INX), for possibly
more profitability, Buy the Nasdaq 100 or SPX respectively, while
maintaining a GOOG short (until well past 108).
If you are bullish, I would recommend a long/short ratio of 2-1 for
market neutral strategies.
If you incline more to the bearish camp as I do, then a long/short
ratio of 1-1 and 1-2 (depending on the short term astrological trend)
is preferable.
HOW HIGH IS UP? HOW LOW IS LOW?
AFUND
TRADING RANGES
DJIA: 8850 to 10848
SPX: 984 to 1216
NASDAQ: 1610-2190
VALUE WITH GROWTH
We would be glad to be less active traders and more
traditional buy and hold cosmic value investors if only....
In 2005, we recommend holding some [up to 30%] Blue Chip dividend
stocks which offer a greater total return beyond cash in the
bank. Additionally, we look to commodities [10%-15%], currencies [10%]
and
small cap trading [5%-15%
depending on account risk profile] for double digit 2005 portfolio
returns.
Capital Preservation remains important
for global investors; hence, we stress caution. Flat and range bound
market favor quality issues. Alternately, Market timing is key to
above average returns.
Today most investors realize classic "Buy and Hold" is passé:
Stock picking and market timing will continue to rule in 2005.
Successful investing depends on knowing:
When all the good news has already been factored into the share
price, at what price is the valuation just too high?
When all the bad news has already been factored into the share price,
at what price is the valuation too cheap?
- We believe only 30% of a portfolio should
use the investment strategy paradigm of BUY and HOLD Value
or Growth stocks with at least reasonable valuations based on current
and future profits.
- Any and all investing profits need to be protected against future
bear assaults in 2005.
- Trade more (50% of portfolio)
and take/protect profits at 10%-20% profit points for long term
non-core holdings.
LEARN THE LESSONS OF 2000, THEY REPEATED IN 2003 AND 2004 WITH
EXCESSIVE SPECULATION AND MAY AGAIN IN 2005:
1) Buy carefully and when stock valuation becomes super frothy
again, SELL.
2) Be careful about owning stocks that are “priced to perfection”, they
can only disappoint.
3) It is NEVER “different this time.”
4) Ultimately, profits matter.
INVESTORS SHOULD BUY AND HOLD STOCKS
IN 2005 THAT ARE:
1) Profitable, well managed companies,
2) P/E* under 16 for Growth and under 13 for
Value.
3) A PEG <1.4,
or undervalued by 10% or more, or dividend
yields of 5% or more.
*After allowing for pension liabilities and
expensing options.
I GLOBAL
INVESTING
BUY CANADA
ACCUMULATE JAPAN and KOREA ON WEAKNESS
TRADE THE UNITED STATES
The Horoscope is a MAP of TIME and PLACE - here is a brief overview
of selected global markets:
Country risk is real. Despite globalization, sophisticated investors
today are rightly concerned about being overly invested in any one
country or currency.
EUROPE - The
global alternative to the US
Today, we are buyers of Euro's under 126, sellers above 131.50 to 133
the first and possibly second time.[Reached] Our Fair value is
currently
126-128.50, but subject to upwards revision should the Yuan repeg to a
basket of currencies or a similar move by other country to keep the US
Dollar the sole world reserve currency. However, we also note that if
Gold targets $500, the Euro is likely to
target 140. We plan to trade accordingly.
- HOLLAND - Euro Market Out Perform.
- ENGLAND -Further
City Out Performance over Wall Street will
be largely due to out performance of the British Pound.
- SWITZERLAND: The worst is over, slow accumulation.
Note: WSNW subscribers can review our favorite S: Dow
Jones Stoxx 50 stocks.
NORTH AMERICA - Traders paradise
- S:
CANADA -CANADA IS FOR SALE: WHY NOT JOIN THE PARTY?
One major reason is that Canada's trade and budget surpluses
continue to contrast with large US deficits. We are delighted to have
our northern neighbor as our favorite G7 country in 2005. As US
investors diversify away from US dollar assets,
more US investors should look at Canada as one attractive alternative
for at least 10% of their portfolio next year. Equities [EWC] are
cheaper relative to US markets. This should also keep Canadian
investors happy, at least relative to the US in 2005. Resource rich, it
will be the target of significant M&A to the extend allowed by the
government. Fortunately for Canada lovers such as yours truly, 2005
will be stellar for Canada, and the loonie will approach .85 or higher.
Retail Return Bonds (equivalent to US TIPS) will benefit
both from the increasing Loonie and Canadian interest rates. Also,
I recommend researching Canada's Power Book of high dividend paying - 50
Top Income Trusts.
- S:
MEXICO - Mexico sends 90% of
its exports to the United States and its fortunes are increasingly tied
to its northern NAFTA neighbor. The amount of money shipped to Mexican
families from relatives in the United States today surpasses foreign
investment as the country's second most important source of revenues
after oil. In 2005, we continue to look for potential take over targets
sporting reasonable valuations or companies that can compete in the US
for the rising Hispanic consumer market share.
- UNITED STATES - Unfortunately, the US remains a nation at war
with terrorism concerns likely far into the future. GMI
-
WorldPoll shows that unpopular U.S. foreign policies threaten
revenue
and global market share for many American based companies such as
American
Airlines (AA) and McDonalds (MCD). Today, 20% of international
consumers
are less likely to travel to U.S. or purchase American products
and
services due to U.S. war in Iraq and unilateral foreign policy. This
degradation
of US brands may increase in 2005. Also record budget deficits makes
further tax incentives for consumers unlikely. The enormous US twin
trade and budget deficits make the US Dollar a potential time bomb: It
is no longer as safe a haven given massive budget deficits and the War
on Terror. US Bonds are by
and large unattractive except for Treasury Inflation
Protected Securities or a similar alternative I Bonds.
Positively, thanks to the weaker US dollar intermediate term, select US
exporters will benefit. Additionally, more American firms will become
M&A take over targets. Ultimately, US stocks will appear to be
global bargains when the US dollar has
dropped further and/or the currency risk has been reduced. This could
happen as soon as H2 2005. Still, overall, many former investor
favorites will disappoint as investors sell rallies to "get
even". Corporate earnings
are decelerating, energy prices are likely to remain high and interest
rates are on the rise, However, given one can trade stocks here
for 10-25% appreciation/depreciation a day/week, this remains TRADERS
HEAVEN.
ASIA/PACIFIC - Intermediate term investment opportunities in
Japan.
Long term, China and Asia could be the fastest growing area in the
world 2010-2030 and the world's largest economy in 2050. It is only a
matter of time before Asia is no longer so dependent upon American
consumer markets to thrive.
- S:
JAPAN - For too long, Japan has depended on the US consumer and is
now partially substituting the Chinese consumer instead of domestic
consumption. As forecast, there has been a recovery in the Japanese
economy and the Nikkei reached our 12,000+ price target in early
2004. Our mantra on JAPAN INC. is "You have Japanese
products in your home; why don't you have Japanese stocks in your
portfolio?" Accordingly, we would rebuy Japan (9800-10200) or
after any strong global stock market drop.
- HONG KONG/CHINA - How strong will the Chinese market be to and
after the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. More to the point, will its
current slowdown end in a soft or hard landing? The 2008 Olympics not
withstanding, too many of the mainland's industries are a mess and its
stock market is overloaded with poor quality state owned companies.
Until this is rightly addressed and Chinese leaders make dramatic moves
to reform the country's financial system, we continue to recommend
great caution. On the plus side, sooner, rather than later, the
Yuan is going UP, whether a free float or just a one time appreciation.
China will be the third largest economy in the world in 2020, after the
US and Euroland. Yet its public debt is over 100% GDP if you include
"off-balance sheet" accounting. Non-performing loans held by China's
banks are 25% to 50% of GDP making China highly vulnerable to an
economic downturn. China's banks have 4.14 trillion Yuan ($500
billion) of bad loans, or more than the
total at lenders in Japan, whose $4.6 trillion economy is almost four
times larger. Nursing the banking sector
back to health before foreign banks get unfettered access to China in
2006 is critical to maintaining China's rapid economic growth. I prefer
to wait and buy AFTER the collapse of a big bank or two, given my
predilection for sound sleep. Abuses on China's stock markets are
rampant and
listed companies have long struggled with abuses by their controlling
shareholders.
Hong Kong is slightly more attractive, although fundamentals often seem
to matter little on the Hang Seng, and its stock market acts closer to
legalized gambling than any other major one in the world. On the bright
side, Hong Kong benefits from a spill-over effect from Chinese
mainland's trade. As for buying directly on the Shanghai and Shenzhen
stock exchanges, good luck or should I say "good connections" matter!
Despite a far better economy, we also remain reluctant to invest in
Taiwanese markets, with the exception of world class computer maker
ACER (ACEIF), unless compensated for potential "war like" conditions in
the future.
- KOREA - Even though growth is slowing and a rising won is
hurting exports,
we continue to like blue chip giants Korea Telecomm (KT), LG
Electronics and LG.Philips (LPL). We still anticipate a peace dividend
in 2005 and a MAJOR benefit from Chinese Yuan appreciation. The easiest
way for US investors to buy is through the Korea Fund (KF) or Country
Ishare (EWY). Like Taiwan, this is a largely a bet on the US
technology sector.
- INDIA - This
story is now known to much bigger than just computer and pharmaceutical
blue chips. Growth of 7.5%+ is likely to make India the world's fastest
growing economy after China. Global investors have finally noticed the
giant sucking sound of thousands of US and UK jobs being outsourced to
India. Goldman Sachs predicts that India will be the third largest
economy by 2035. IIF or IFN are two closed end India funds, and
the best way for US investors to invest (not trade) in India. Still,
for 2005, we have a new Underweight rating.
- AUSTRALASIA - Australia's growing trade deficit and the
weakening housing market will slow economic growth
in 2005. This augurs well for Australian bonds as we remain mildly
bullish for 2005, given our
forecast for a stronger Aussie $ and maintain our "out perform" rating
country rating. Note: The
A$ reached our .80 target early in 2004 and we recommend selling.
[We rebought at .70 and sold at .78.] If/when it reaches .72 or .82, we
would do the same.
- OTHER TIGERS AND DRAGONS - We prefer Singapore,
Thailand and Malaysia to Indonesia and the Philippines.
OTHER- Opportunities for savvy investors ONLY .
- S:
ISRAEL - Israel's technology sector is desirable given its highly
skilled labor force and favorable tax treatment. Unfortunately, it is
best to buy only when there is blood in the streets, which happens all
too often.
- S:
LATIN AMERICA - Accumulate on weakness
for appropriate multi-year long term investment portfolios and longer
term for multi-national corporate investments.
We continue to advise caution for emerging markets unless you
monitor them very closely. There is always an uncomfortably large
possibility of shocking negative "surprises." They "behave like
rich-country ones on speed, both up and down". It is very important for
investors to distinguish between high and low risk countries. In
addition to the obvious political and currency risk, many are too
loosely regulated. By the end of this decade, many forecasters believe
we will see greater economic growth coming from a combined India,
China, Brazil and Russia than
from the established economies of the US, Canada and Europe.
Until then, one can expect plenty of geopolitical risk. For example,
the actions against Yukos and Khodorkovsky should be an investor red
flag about Russia's commitment to rule of law and protection of
shareholder and investor rights.
Current AFUND ratings on the BIG Four Emerging Markets are: Brazil
(Accumulate on Weakness), China (Wait), India (Distribute) and Russia
(AVOID). In 2005, the global investing landscape may be dramatically
different.
WSNW subscribers should periodically review our S: AFUND GLOBAL 12 - for
our favorite global blue chip long term investments.
II TIMING
Traders believe that "Making money in the market is all about
Timing". The "Buy And Hold" climate we used to have in the US
stock market is long PAST HISTORY. Since 2000, it has become a
"Market Timing" and “Stock Picking” environment. Markets reward
best stocks that have Value AND Growth. Corporate profits for more well
managed and sufficiently capitalized companies should rise modestly,
helped by the low interest rates.
Despite the fact that we do live in interesting times, short term we
repeat last year's mantra:
VALUE plus GROWTH is BEST and Trade for short term profit
10-20% moves.
POST-NOVEMBER 2004
- 2005: The fifth year of each decade has been positive
since 1881. However, we believe we are still within a larger secular
bear market cycle. Jupiter is in waning square to Saturn December 17
(with subsequent passes in June 22 and October 25, 2006.)
- Public enthusiasm to spend, spend, spend will be subdued as the
US job market continues to go through structural changes and more
better paying jobs are exported to China and India. This "wageless
recovery" in most G7 countries, economic growth has failed to raise
worker's pay: Consumers are still in a financially weak position
with little pent-up demand. 2005 will bring a rise in interest rates
that is likely to dampen consumer willingness to spend and
borrow. If/when the US housing markets corrects, the question
will be whether the US enters a recession or worse. The bottom line:
Our advice to individuals and businesses is to increase cash flow
(profits/income - expenses) by
10% next year.
- A new 21st century pattern?
March 2000 High, March 2001 low, March 2002 High, March 2003 low, March
2004 High, March 2005? If not, we are likely to have only minimal
market exposure in mid Q2/Q3, especially to Nasdaq.
- There is a high likelihood of the 2005 market top in Q1
2004 or perhaps even January. Be that as it may, unlike 2004, we
believe the Dow will outperform the SP 500 in 2005. A Buy Dow/
Sell SPX market neutral strategy should result in a positive, above
cash in the bank conservative return on investment.
Stock markets will benefit less from low interest rates. Jupiter
entered Libra on September 24, 2004 and then will enter Scorpio
October 26, 2005 While Saturn enters Leo in July 16th.. Not only such
sectors as the fashion industry benefited from Jupiter's move into
Libra, but also the art world. Blue Chip Art (brand name artists or
works from important collections) are out performing. Collectors can
not only have the usual champagne fun buying art, but will feel
confident they can always put something back at auction at a later date
and won't lose out or make a lot more. We also expect barter to greatly
expand, both for individuals and businesses. Finally, given M&A is
under Libran influence, one can expect a number of high profile mega
merger and M&A plays. We will
deal with the effects of both Jupiter and Saturn changing signs H2 2005
in our annual May update.
LONGER TERM
2006: In the 4 year presidential cycle, this is often a down year
(e.g. 2002, 1998 etc.) March
29, 2006 is a Total Solar Eclipse. In 2006 Jupiter squares Neptune
1/28, 3/16 and 9/24. Also we have the first pass of Saturn opposite
Neptune 8/31 and again in 2007 (2/28) and 6/25).
2007: Jupiter Square Uranus: 1/22, 5/11, 10/9 and then in December
2007: Jupiter will be conjunct Pluto. Two Total Lunar Eclipses March 03
and August 28, 2007.
The low point of the nodal cycle is reached in 2008, when Pluto
ingresses into Capricorn with one
Total Lunar Eclipse February 21 and a Total Solar Eclipse over China
8/1/2008.
Jupiter conjunct Neptune in 2009: 5/27, 7/10, 12/21. Total Solar
Eclipse July 22, 2009 (India/China).
The next epic shifting planetary configurations in 2010/2011 of
Jupiter conjunct Uranus AND Jupiter opposition Saturn as well as Uranus
enters Aries and Neptune enters Pisces and a total Solar Eclipse July
11, 2010 and
a Total Lunar Eclipse December 21, 2010. We also have a rare transit of
Venus June 6, 2012. ALL precede the December 21, 2012 Mayan end
date. Also we have 7, yes 7 Uranus-Pluto squares from June 24,
2012-March 17, 2015--Wowie! Some of the more extreme forecasts made for
this time period include alien visitations/invasions, catastrophic
asteroid impacts, violent volcanic eruptions and massive earthquakes.
We will give our views here no later than midnight 12/20/2009.
III SECTORS
Sector based investing, while no longer replacing country based
approaches to global investing, still is very important.
Favorite 2005 future themes are: Biotechnology, Hydrogen/Solar Energy,
Nanotechnology/Robotics and Wind/Water.
The themes of Technology, Communications and Health Care continue to
matter.
WSNW subscribers: please note we update our coverage on the following
industry sectors on our premium Silver posting area: S:
COMMUNICATIONS, S:
COMPUTERS, S: ENERGY, S: HEALTH CARE, and S: MINING.
Our Seven 2005 favored sector themes are mostly defensive:
- Aging, Biotechs, S:
Healthcare
- Art, Beauty, Cosmetics, Fashion & Jewelry
- Homeland Security & Law
- Life Essentials: Energy, Food, Shelter and Water
- Nanotechnology
- Natural Resources, S: Precious
Metals
- People are living longer and there will be growing demand for
health products and care. US health care expenses total more than 14%
of the total U.S. economy. This is more than Americans spend on food,
housing, or automobiles. The easiest way to play
this sector is to buy the iShares Global Healthcare Sector Index fund
(IXJ). Uranus re-entered Pisces in late December 2003, which helps
Biotechs. The best biotechs to buy are those with revenue generating
products increasingly close to launch. The easiest way to play this
sector is to either market the market leader Amgen (AMGN) or to buy a
basket of 20 with the Merrill Lynch Biotech HOLDRS (BBH). Another way
is our December 2004 Stock
of the Month club pick Enzo Biochem (ENZ) which in addition to
biotechnology has several other profitable health businesses. Long term
investors should look for companies that will benefit from the
increasing baby boomer aging population: a baby boomer becomes a senior
citizen every 7.5
seconds! Healthcare, especially for
retiring , baby boomers will receive more attention and money as time
goes by, e.g. Sunrise Assisted Living (SRZ), American Medical Alert
(AMAC), Candela (CLZR), and Lifeline Systems (LIFE). These range from
assisted living communities and medical alert notification to
laboratory testing companies to companies that provide orthopedic care
and dental products. Perhaps most important, and certainly closer to my
heart and soul are traditional SRI favorites such as Herbs, Natural
Foods, Vitamins and Natural Healing Therapies which will continue to
grow market share as Cultural Creatives age. Personal care company
Church and Dwight (CWD) is a safe and boring buy, but along with many
natural food companies shares, are expensive, e.g. Hain Celestial
(HAIN), Hansen
(HANS), NBTY (NTY) and Whole Foods (WFMI). They should be considered
when their share pricing again intersects with reality as demand for
health foods and sustainable practices as part of a healthy lifestyle
will
fortunately continue to grow. Alternately, small caps such as AFUND
client Health Sciences (HESG) while riskier, is cheaper
and worth a look.
- Jupiter move into Libra focused investing in art back into
fashion as an alternative to
the equity markets. This obviously helped revive
the fortunes of the likes of Sotheby’s (BID). We likewise give out
perform rating to Ann Taylor Stores (ANN), Tiffany (TIF) and Shiseido
(SSDOY). Elizabeth Arden (RDEN), Helen of Troy (HELE), Jacuzzi
Brands (JJZ), and Italian eyeglass-maker Luxottic (LUX), China small
cap LJ International (JADE),
and luxury French retailing giant LVMH may also out perform for the
same astrological reasons. Another
classic astrological rulership of Libra is Law,
the legal profession should prosper and remain a growth industry in
2005. One potential beneficiary is LECG (XPRT), which provides experts
and consultants for trials and legislative lobbying. Another has been
Getty Images (GYI) which supplies photo images for media
- It is hard to find a more apt astrological translation for Saturn
(security) in Cancer (Home) than homeland security. Being SRI inclined,
there is not too much I wish to hold in this sector. Some outperforming
possibilities include L-3 Communications (LLL), LOJACK (LOJN), and
Ceradyne (CRDN) manufacturer of lightweight-ceramic armor vests for
military personnel. While expensive, Computer security companies
continue to become more profitable: Checkpoint (CHKP), Syamantec
(SYMC) and Trend Micro (TMIC).
- In future, we hope to see SRI favorite Fuel Cell, Solar and Wind
companies as suitable intermediate term SRI investments. One
reasonable long term play is Fuel cell supplier Quantum
TechnoTechnologies (QTWW) One small cap watch is WorldWater Corporation
(WWAT). As for shelter, we remain hopeful about our smallcap
client International Hi-Tech Industries.
The number three and fastest growing beverage is Water. Growth has been
spectacular in a number of countries, with bottled water fast becoming
the norm for in home and on the move hydration. The demand for
providing clean water and recyling dirty water when that use is done is
surging. Unfortunately, disputes over water are
possible causes for war in the 21st century. German RWE and French SUEZ
are serious global players, while American Stat Water (AWR), Pentair
(PNR), Vermont Pure (VPR) and Aqua America (PSC) are good alternative
domestic choices in conservative portfolios. Treatment stocks Calgon
(CCC) and Ionics (ION) are safe long term holds.[Nov 24 ION climbed 48%
on GE buy out offer. Calling water "Blue Gold"
as in Black and Yellow may not be much of an exaggeration.]
- The Nanotechnology Research and Development Act authorizes $3.7
billion in federal funds for nanotechnology, the science of building
new products and devices by manipulating molecules and atoms. Today,
most Nanotechnology investments are largely venture capital plays or
early stage R & D developments. However, the hype will grow, if not
the reality. The prefix "Nano" in a company name will have a similar
effect to the suffix ".com" last century.
- The cheapest long term protection against a US Dollar decline
is GOLD. Geopolitical uncertainty, war, global economic
sluggishness and a weak U.S. dollar are usually good for gold
companies. The major factor providing intermediate/long term support
for gold is that a further decline in the US dollar is practically
inevitable. These are the times we like to buy. We have a $500
target rise possible in/by July 2005. Just as IBM and GE are DOW
bell weathers for DOW, so is Newmont (NEM) for gold in BIG money
portfolios. My 2005 favorite major was Placer Dome (PDG), while from Q4
on it is Barrick (ABX). Commodities may also do well as a hedge . While
I do not favor the housing industry at this time, three related stocks
that may continue to outperform are: Cemex (CX), Lafarge (LAF) and Plum
Creek Timber (PCL).
IV
STOCKS
2005 will again be more a stock pickers market, than a
sector based one. However, less important will be the need to
research closely for skeleton's hidden in the closet. They have already
been for the most part discovered.
Having my Moon in Libra, my Stock Selection is both:
TOP DOWN: country/currency, bourse/sector,
individual stock and
BOTTOM UP : strong astrological and/or
fundamental/technical indications.
I like to begin with one or more of the following 4 criteria:
A: CASH RICH, WELL MANAGED AND
PROFITABLE,
B: UNLOVED BUT UNDERVALUED,
C: POSITIVE MOMENTUM AND
MONEY FLOWS
D: GOOD HOROSCOPE OR IN AN
ASTROLOGICALLY FAVORED SECTOR:
1) Jupiter in Libra
2) Jupiter In Scorpio (Q4 2005).
Spring/Summer 2005's favorite strategy will be Market Neutral Hedging:
Buying a strong stock while shorting an appropriate index (SPX or
Nasdaq), or Pairs Trading - buying a strong company and selling a weak
one in the same sector usually makes money whether the market moves up,
down or sideways. Until then, we will not so much be investing as doing
short term trades such as buying January effect stocks or periodically
Nasdaq Internut-like fantasies.
We again are looking to some cash rich dividend paying global blue
chips. These are companies that are prospering by gaining market share
and buying "cheap" assets during this economic slowdown over small and
midcaps. These are companies that will become far stronger in the
long term. Our game plan is to invest conservatively, but due to
recent high market volatility and increasingly compressed market
cycles, we now advise trading all accounts more actively, at
least 50% of portfolio holdings! Note: European and Asian stocks may NO
longer rise and fall fully in sync with US markets as currency trading
brings more wild short term swings, and when the US dollar resumes its
secular decline. WSNW subscribers should periodically review our
S: AFUND GLOBAL 12 - for our favorite blue chip long term
investments.
Eight selected Investing themes follow. For more and updates, WSNW subscribers may
visit our AFUND premium
channels.
1. The US dollar will
fall again, select Country I-Shares or Foreign Blue Chip
companies to hedge:
- Canada (EWC):
Outperform. Canada Natural Resources (CNQ), Encana
(ECA) Potash (POT), PetroCanada (PCZ), SunOptica (SKTL) and TransCanada
(TRP)
- Japan (EWJ):
Shiseido (SSDOY), Sony (SNE),. Toyota (TM) and Trend Micro (TMIC)
- Korea (EWY)- Lucky Gold Philips (LGL) and Samsung (SSNGF)
- S:
AFUND GLOBAL 12
2. Share buybacks and dividend paying stocks
are always desirable in our eyes. Historically, we always like
undervalued stocks, especially if coupled with a yield greater than the
classic value buy signal of 5%. Given Saturn remains in Cancer, we
dramatically reduced our previously favored REIT exposure
while we wait for more of a downward real estate price adjustment.
Instead we recommend Canada's Power Book of high dividend paying - 50
Top Income Trusts. We also like stocks that are 10% or more
undervalued or potential M&A acquisition candidates.
WSNW subscribers may wish to read our S: Income&
Dividend stocks post for more.
3. S:
DJIA FAVORITE 2005 stocks are defensive:
Pfizer (PFE) and secondarily, American International Group (AIG) and
Johnson and Johnson (JNJ). While companies
such as General Motors (GM) will continue to be highly challenged in
2005 for obvious reasons, it is perhaps surprising that Dow bellweather
General Electric [GE] will also under perform most of 2005. Some
stocks like
Boeing (BA), Citibank (C), JPMorgan (JPM) and possibly Merck (MRK) can
outperform H2 and Q4 2005. However, these days even Blue Chip
stocks have to be traded, not "buy and held" for better than 10%
returns in 2004.
4. STOCKS FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES
Gold, entertainment and consumer staples often outperform in bad
times. Such stocks are to be watched and accumulated on weakness before
market bulls become concerned. Also considered traditional safe havens
in times of uncertainty are utilities and property trusts. However,
deregulation and future interest rate increases will make them less
attractive in 2005.
Our S: Stocks for
Uncertain Times is a defensive, lower risk value oriented portfolio
that allows one to sleep better at night even if there is more
terrorism or the "recovery" takes time and is not on "TV" time. Also
included are income oriented stocks as well as an SRI component to feel
good about, even if one is not making a ton of money. This,
along with Health care, are our two favorite sectors to buy and hold
during market weakness.
5. JUPITER IN LIBRA; MORE M&A HEAVEN
M&A Average salaries rose 30% above inflation in 2004.
Classically one buys the acquired company, while selling the buyer who
often overpays. If you are worried about the stock market losing value,
the Art Market can be one attractive alternative investment. While
outlooks for the US economy are being revised down, the art market is
gearing up for an illustrious new
season. Often more profitable in the long-term, the purchase of art
can involve a lower level of risk since the art market is by nature
much less volatile.
6. FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES
Even before we became one of the first Apple dealers in NYC, we
historically have liked betting on emerging technologies. This
we recommend doing in a basket of stocks, because this is a high
risk-high return
investment that is best done in a diversified manner. Also, I don't
like to pay too much of a premium over value for longer term
holding.
Note: Given an inevitable future boom-bust cycles, the "safe" play is
the equipment sellers who always make money. After the Klondike and
California gold rush, most miners went home broke. The real money was
made by freighters and merchants who brought and marketed supplies. So
too with Biotechs, the Internet and Nanotechnology today. For example
about 1,200 of the roughly 1,500 companies involved globally in
nanotechnology are start-ups, and obviously many will disappear.
Our 2005 three favorite FT sectors are:
BIOTECHNOLOGY: e.g. BBH and IBB or heavyweights Amgen (AMGN) and
Genentech (DNA) can be trading buys on strong pullbacks. I prefer
to invest in companies that have multiple products in clinical
development. Another is our November 2004 Stock of the month
pick Enzo (ENZ), which also has a stable health business unit as well
as undervalued IP (Intellectual Property) in addition to the usual
potential risky biotech home run.
CLEAN AND SUCCESSOR ENERGY: e.g. The WilderHill Clean Energy Index
[ECO], Vestas,and Gamesa.
Watch: DayStar Technologies (DSTI), FuelCell Energy (FCEL), Energy
Conversion Devices (ENER), Hydrogenics (HYGS), Intermagnetics General
Corporation (IMGC), Mechanical Technology (MKTY), Quantum Technologies
(QTWW) and US Wind Farming (USWF).
NANOTECHNOLOGY: e.g. NNZ or Veeco Instruments (VECO), FEI (FEIC)
and watch Altair Nanontechnologies (ALTI) and Lumera (LMRA).
Forthcoming in 2005/2006 we plan to add ROBOTICS coverage.
7. SRI STOCKS
Given the increasing risks to global sustainability, we believe there
is a corresponding increasing need for increasing exposure to SRI
stocks in one's long term investing portfolio. One list to refer
to annually for an initial stock screen is SustainableBusiness.com's
annual list of the 20
World's Top Sustainable Stocks. Another is to periodically
check our Neptune Fund selections.
<>8.
AFUND
STOCK OF THE MONTH CLUB PICKS
Our Stock of the Month Club
pick philosophy is to look for a minimum
of 15-20% appreciation within four to six month. Thereafter, we take
profits or use trailing stop losses. Conversely, as intermediate term
investments (not trades), if there is a 15-20% loss, we either
double up or exit depending on any news, market conditions and
astrological
factors at the time.
These monthly stock picks are emailed in real time to all Wall Street,
Next Week Subscribers.
9. AFUND CLIENTS
Business Astrologers know that the best way to predict the future
is to
create it.
With strong Disclaimers
and with an informed but obviously biased view, I am doing my best to
help create investor wealth for client companies we consult for
including
International High Tech Industries [IHITF], Health Sciences (HESG)
and United American
(UAMA).
Since May 2, 1988 I have established a superior forecasting record
primarily due to my knowledge of financial astrology. While not perfect
as some critics would demand, my precision and accuracy is appreciated
by many professional traders and investors. As more of our
forecasting is now private and contracted to money managers, it is my
intention to have other financial astrologers and money managers
contribute more on my web site in the future.
Latest sample performance figures at AFUND Performance.
Henry
Weingarten
(c) 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
2005. Please read our Full Disclaimer:
The Astrologers Fund. No part of this report may be
reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, except for brief
passages quoted for review without the prior written permission of the
publisher.
ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR LICENSED FINANCIAL PLANNER
OR BROKER BEFORE BUYING OR SELLING ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
ASTROLOGERS FUND.
DISCLAIMER: PAST RESULTS ARE NOT NECESSARILY
INDICATIVE OF FUTURE FORECASTING ACCURACY OR PROFITABLE TRADING RESULTS.
At the time of this writing AFUND clients IHITF, HESG and UAMA are
currently paying $2500 monthly consulting fees.
Please read our Full Disclaimer
for past payments and more information.
The Astrologers Fund Accepts No Liability Whatsoever
For Any Loss Arising from Any Use Of Its Report Or It's Contents. The
Astrologers Fund Or Its Clients Usually Holds Positions In The Stocks
and/or Market Instruments Mentioned And May Buy Or Sell At Any Time
Without Notice. This Information Is In No Way A Representation To Buy
Or Sell Securities, Bonds, Options Or Futures .