Cycles are everywhere in our lives and can be used as very effective predictive tools (sunrise, tides, seasons etc.). Cycles exist in financial markets. This course looks at the parameters that define cycles and their behaviour and moves on to study the work of 'master' cycle analysts. We will then investigate how to utilise cycle theory to time market entries and exits. No prior experience required.

Your Tutor is Dennis Keillor

Dennis Keillor BAppSci (Physics), DipEd has been teaching at WEA since 2007. 

As a ‘Cycologist’ Dennis has been a successful financial market forecaster, trader and educator since 1997.

As a ‘Fizzacist’ Dennis has been producing homemade brew since Adam was a boy!

Course Description

Cycles are all around us – in nature, human behaviour, and the financial markets. 

This beginner-friendly course introduces you to the powerful world of cycle analysis as a predictive tool for identifying key turning points in markets. You'll explore how to interpret recurring market patterns and how major economic and financial cycles influence trends across asset classes like stocks and commodities. 

Whether you're an investor, trader, or simply curious about what drives market booms and busts, this course offers a structured pathway to understand timing strategies used by market professionals.

Over several interactive sessions, you’ll examine real-world cycles, learn how to identify them, and discover how to apply this knowledge to anticipate market highs and lows. 

You’ll also study the work of leading cycle analysts and incorporate risk management principles to create a practical, rules-based trading plan. 

No prior market experience is needed – just an interest in making smarter, more strategic financial decisions. Notes will be provided.

Course Structure

This course is delivered in a structured lecture format, broken down into key topic areas that build foundational knowledge while allowing for real-time questions and interactive discussion. 

• Introduction to Cycles – Understanding cycles in nature and finance
• Market Cycle Basics – Identifying key patterns in commodity and stock markets
• Forecasting Tools – Learning how to anticipate big market moves
• Historical Influences – Studying long-term cycles and master analysts’ techniques
• Timing the Market – Developing rules for entry, exit, and trend confirmation
• Putting It All Together – Building a cycle-based trading plan with risk management
• Practical Application – Testing the method across different markets and conditions

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Recognise and describe major financial market cycles
• Forecast potential market turning points using cycle analysis
• Understand long-term historical cycles and their relevance to current markets
• Identify and validate emerging trends
• Time entry and exit points for optimal trading decisions
• Apply risk management strategies including position sizing
• Incorporate cycle analysis into a structured trading plan
• Adapt cycle-based approaches to various markets and timeframes
• Improve trading outcomes through consistent timing and analysis