After the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Year of the Rabbit saw Hong Kong experiencing a measure of hope and some economic recovery. As we step into 2024, what do astrologers expect the Wood Dragon to bring to Hong Kong and the world? How will our economy and investments fare over the next 12 months? Will it be a good time to angle for a promotion, launch a business or switch to a new career? Our feng shui experts forecast what is in store as we prepare to welcome the Wood Dragon.
Economic Outlook
As 2024 is the only year with a strong Water inclination amid a Wood-Fire dominance that stretches from 2022 to 2027, Hong Kong’s economy is expected to slowly strengthen. While the stock market as well as the property sector might experience some bullish trends, corporate performance could dip and therefore will not fully support the market outlook. However, this could be a good year for investors looking to recover losses incurred on the stock market. It is a good time to sell stocks at peak prices, but beware of being too greedy as rising stock prices might not be sustainable in the long term.
Of the Five Elements this year, Earth is the strongest, which points to excellent performance in sectors such as real estate and construction, allowing for good profits. Fire, which was the strongest element in 2023, falls to second place in 2024. Industries like telecommunication, electronics and fossil fuels might not fare as well. Next comes Wood, with business in papermaking, fabric, herbal medicine, furniture, etc., expected to be weaker. With Metal similarly weak, those trading in gold and silver, hardware and steelmaking should be cautious. Finally, Water is at the bottom of the list, which means those in finance, banking, freight, travel, F&B, etc., should be prudent when taking business decisions.
2024 happens to be the first year under Land Luck #9, which means there might be some significant changes. The uncertainty and turbulence of the last few years is poised to end, and a decade of stability can be expected from 2028 onwards.
Personal Dragon Forecast
This year Dragons are offending the presiding god, which could result in fights and quarrels with people around you. It is important to not get into disagreements because you are angry or unhappy, as this could increase your offence of the presiding god and negatively impact your wealth and career. To offset such emotions, it might help to take a trip or plan to travel.
Romantically, this is a good year for Dragons, especially those who want to get married or have a child, as this can help reduce the negative impact of your offence.
In their professional lives, Dragons must strive harder in 2024 to earn money on their own, which means those who are self-employed will reap benefits. However, salary workers may not see their increased workload translate into pay rises or compensation.
Healthwise, gastrointestinal problems could plague Dragons this year, which could be made worse by overworking. Make sure to get enough rest and relaxation every evening.
Past Dragon Years
In 2012, the previous year of the Dragon, Hurricane Sandy slammed into the East Coast of the United States, killing around 200 people. Also that year, 14-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban for campaigning for the right to go to school. And after nearly two decades of negotiations, Russia finally joined the World Trade Organization as its newest member.
In June 2000, South Korean president Kim Dae-jung and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s leader Kim Jong Il met in Pyongyang for the first inter-Korean summit since the Korean War in 1950-53.
In 1988, Hong Kong’s Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR), which was double-tracked and electrified in the 1980s, opened a new light rail network to connect what were then the new towns of Yuen Long and Tuen Mun.
1976 saw Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak come together to set up the Apple Computer Company in California, while the Concorde flew the world’s first ever scheduled supersonic passenger service, with British Airways flying from London to Bahrain and Air France from Paris to Rio de Janeiro. In China that year, a devastating earthquake hit Tangshan, killing nearly 250,000 people and injuring about 170,000. In Hong Kong, 1976 was when the Home Ownership Scheme was launched, allowing public housing tenants to purchase their own homes.
A notable Dragon year for Hong Kong was 1964, when the legendary Olympic torch came to the city. Hong Kong was one of the 12 metropolises around the world through which the flame passed on its way to Japan for the 1964 Olympics. It was the first time the event was held in Asia.
Also that year, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed in the U.S. – one of the most historic and far-reaching pieces of legislation in American history. In South Africa, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island for conspiring to overthrow the state.
In 1952, George VI of England died, and his daughter became Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 25, while in 1940 Winston Churchill was elected Britain’s Prime Minister.
Mickey Mouse, Disney’s most iconic character, made his first appearance in 1928, which was also the year the Oscars were held for the first time ever.