As 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope, can Hong Kong expect the Water Rabbit to bring tidings of prosperity and economic growth? Our feng shui experts reveal the forecast for the next 12 months as we prepare to celebrate Lunar New Year on January 22.
Economic Outlook
According to Chinese astrologers, 2023 happens to be the second year of Wood-Fire dominance, which points to a further economic downtown and some negative consequences, for which we should be prepared. The stock market is expected to soar in the first few months then nosedive later, since 2023 is an odd-numbered year. Any stocks purchased in 2022 or the beginning of this year could sell for a higher price at year-end, so it’s best to hold on until autumn or winter.
Of the Five Elements this year, Fire is the strongest, which means related sectors such as telecommunication, electronics, fuel and coal will benefit. Wood comes a close second, which points to good performance in wood logging and paper, as well as furniture, apparel and herbal medicine.
Industries related to Earth, such as construction, mining and infrastructure, are expected to see average growth. Water is a weak element this year, pointing to low performance in banking and finance, travel and logistics. With Metal the weakest element, it would be prudent for those trading in steel and precious metals to exercise caution. Those planning investments in gold should buy at a low price and wait to sell when the element strengthens.
This is the final year of land luck, so expect plenty of fluctuation in property prices. If you are planning to invest in real estate, ensure you have adequate funds and that the purchases are within your means in order to avoid bad fortune if the market slumps.
Past Rabbit Years
In the last Year of the Rabbit, 2011, Japan was devastated by the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in March, which killed over 15,000 people, rendered 500,000 homeless, and crippled the country’s infrastructure. In aid of the victims, Hong Kong held a major fund-raising concert at Victoria Park featuring 300 artists ‡ including Jackie Chan and Andy Lau ‡ that raised over US$2.3 million.
In May that year, the United States announced that Osama Bin Laden, suspected as the mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Centre twin towers, had been killed. It was also the year Apple founder Steve Jobs died.
Another notable Rabbit year was 1999, when Nelson Mandela stepped down as the first black president of South Africa. It was also when the world waited with bated breath for the Y2K virus ‡ or the millennium bug ‡ to cause computer systems to fail when the date changed to 1 January, 2000.
Further back in history, on 19 October 1987, or Black Monday, stock markets crashed on Wall Street and around the world. And in December, U.S. President Ronald Reagan met with Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev in Washington, DC, where they signed the historic Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.
A significant year for Hong Kong was 1975, when the United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited for the first time. Their four-day trip included visits to Hong Kong City Hall, the University of Hong Kong, Hung Hom train station and the Kwai Chung container port. That October, Hong Kong was ravaged by the intense Typhoon Elsie, with the hurricane signal No.10 hoisted. The year also marked the end of the Vietnam War, and the election of Britain’s first woman Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.
Another important year was 1963, when Martin Luther King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech on 28 August. A few months later, on 22 November, U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
Personal Rabbit Forecast
This year, Rabbits are offending the presiding god, which could bring about changes in their romantic life, from marriage and relationships to fertility. Those going through a break-up should make an effort to not be weighed down by negative thoughts.
This is a good year for prosperity and the accumulation of wealth, thanks to the lucky star Jin Gui, which means “gold chest.” Career-wise, Rabbits are advised not to act ambitiously, as unexpected incidents could impede or negatively impact their professional life.
Offending the presiding god could also cause emotional problems, so try to avoid stress and take it easy. It would also be helpful to do things that are interesting, and stay relaxed. Rabbits should keep a close eye on health matters, especially cuts, burns and other injuries.
Personal Forecasts for the Year of the Rabbit
Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)
Very sensitive soul. Discreet but quietly ambitious. Self-indulgent.
With their love luck from last year still lingering on, Rabbits embarking on new romances could see their relationships bloom into long-term commitments or marriage. This year, it is important to think positive, stay happy and not fall prey to negative thoughts. Hard-working Rabbits will benefit from taking some time off work. This is also a good year for accumulating wealth and climbing the hierarchical ladder. For older Rabbits, getting a comprehensive health check is advised.
Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
Charismatic and colourful. Wants to be centre of attention. Very arrogant, lucky and successful.
This year, Dragons should beware of gossip about them, especially in the months of February, March and September. Love luck will be average, and quarrels might be difficult to avoid. Starting a new relationship might be a distant prospect for single Dragons. Wealth will abound in 2023, especially for entrepreneurs or those who are self-employed. Ailments of the skin and gastrointestinal system might be more common, so Dragons would do well to watch their diet.
Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)
High moral principles, mostly when applied to others. Sophisticated and charming. More than meets the eye.
Conflict is not on the cards for Snakes in love this year, but it will not be an extraordinary year either. In matters of wealth, Snakes will acquire more power, with the possibility of promotion at work. It would be prudent to prioritize reputation this year. Extra spending will be unavoidable. Entrepreneurs should work hard to build their reputation, which will result in long-term gains. Health will remain stable as Snakes are not in disagreement with the presiding god.
Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)
Confident and proud, but prone to erratic behaviour. Heart is in right place. Can be flighty and emotional.
Horses can expect to enjoy a good year of romance, with plenty of love luck predicted. While single Horses could meet the person of their dreams, those who wish to marry or start a family should go ahead. This is also a year for power, and Horses in steady jobs could be promoted. Better social status and more authority are both on the cards. Health-wise, there is no sign of conflict, which means that Horses will thrive both physically and mentally.
Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)
Sensitive, creative and multi-talented. Eccentric. Has much fortitude. Loves to be loved, hates to be pushed.
Goats are in triple union with the presiding god and will therefore enjoy excellent love luck, with those in steady commitments likely to settle down this year. Good luck in wealth also shines upon Goats this year. Those who are self-employed could reap rewards. Good health is predicted too, with a low chance of accidents or injuries. Goats will have a lot of gossip and dispute in their lives this year, but these will be trivial.
Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)
Wily and cunning. Ignores regimented rules. Free spirit. Loves movement and change. Can be rather selfish.
Relationship instability from last year may linger until spring for Monkeys. Newly married couples and those who have recently become parents will deepen their commitment for each other. Single Monkeys may find that the chances of getting into a relationship are slim. This is a good year for investment, so expect more expenses. Those embarking on a new venture may see success. Monkeys are still under the negative effects of health conflicts from last year and should take care of themselves.
Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
Brave and enthusiastic. Notoriously picky. Highly intelligent. Rarely has wool pulled over its eyes.
Roosters will walk down a rocky road in terms of love. Expect relationship changes this year, whether a break-up, marriage or new addition to the family. Wealth-wise, 2023 could bring investment opportunities. This is also a good time to broaden horizons and try out new things. Keep a close eye on your finances and budget, especially those who are starting a new venture. Watch out for accidents or injuries, as well as ailments of the lungs and bones.
Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)
Honest, loyal, sincere. Believes in justice for all. Fights for principles. Sometimes bad tempered, self-righteous.
This is a year of union and so relationships will be stable, but the single may not find an opportunity to start a new relationship. Dogs can expect a measure of prosperity this year, with entrepreneurs especially enjoying good luck. In their careers, Dogs will benefit no matter their profession. While this is not a year for injuries or accidents, issues pertaining to the digestive system may crop up for some, so following a good diet is important.
Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)
Kind and thoughtful. Sincere and honourable. Self-sacrificing and altruistic. Occasional fits of wilfulness and rage.
Love life is forecast to be stable for Pigs, but new beginnings will not be common; the likelihood of meeting someone special will be higher in 2024. Pigs will have to toil to make money this year. Those paid by volume of work will see greater income. It is important to gain satisfaction from employment even if promotion is not likely. Accidents or injury are not expected this year but stress from overworking is likely, so get enough sleep and unwind after the workday.
Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
Essentially charming. Compassionate. Renowned for thrift and love of family. Rather superficial at times.
This is an excellent year for love, with two relationship stars shining brightly. This means Rats looking for a relationship might be presented with life partners or casual dates, so they must choose wisely. Rats have to work hard to earn this year with a greater workload, which is a prospect best faced optimistically. Entrepreneurs have a higher chance of closing important deals through client interactions. Pay attention to gynaecological, urological and skin ailments.
Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
Calm, patient, studied character. Takes things at a slow, steady pace. Is rather dictatorial but very industrious.
This will be an ordinary year for Oxen in love. Those who were married last year, or had a baby, can be assured of continued stability this year. The Ox has the best luck in health among all the zodiac animals this year. Money will come the way of entrepreneurs. Wage earners may see a promotion while the self-employed will enjoy career progress. Health ailments are few in 2023, with no sign of conflict.
Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)
Very warm, loving. Independent-minded. Pays scant regard to others when pursuing fun and freedom.
Tigers will be blessed with love luck but relationships could be short-lived. Those married or with committed partners will do well. Wealth remains stable this year, with the self-employed and wage earners not seeing much change. This is a good year for networking and building business connections. Career-wise, Tigers may receive help from figures in authority. Negative influences on health still remain from last year, so look out for accidents, both traffic and minor injuries.