Following a stable Year of the Rooster, we take a Chinese astronomy view of forecasting the economy. Our feng shui master informs us there may be more turbulent times in store as the fire energy of the Year of the Dog delivers volatility that could lead to an economic downturn and sinking stock markets.
The last Dog Year in 2006 was actually a good time for Hong Kong. GDP grew by 6.9% and the unemployment rate dropped to 4.8% as the city continued to bounce back after the crises of the late 1990s. The government gave the tourism sector a push with its “Discover Hong Kong Year”campaign, helping visitor numbers rise more than 8%.
Investors did particularly well, with the Hang Seng Index rocketing 34% over the course of 2006 and breaking the 20,000 mark for the first time.
The wider region, however, saw some upsets. A military coup in Thailand in September overthrew the government of Thaksin Shinawatra and introduced martial law. The following month, North Korea announced that it had conducted its first nuclear test. Meanwhile, in Iraq, Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death and executed on 30 December.
The previous Dog Year in 1994 saw Nelson Mandela become President of South Africa, the opening of the Channel Tunnel between France and England, and the death of former U.S. President Richard Nixon.
The performance of the Hang Seng Index in 1994 reveals the volatility that Dog Years can bring, as it plunged more than 30%.
And Chinese astronomers expect another rollercoaster ride may be ahead for the Hong Kong and global economies. Following is a roundup of what they forecast for the Year of the Dog.
Business Outlook
This is the Year of the Earth Dog and is characterized by extremely strong fire energy. This could trigger a global economic downturn, with the U.S. economy the hardest hit, according to astronomers. The Hong Kong economy will also go through a rough patch in 2018, particularly the stock and property markets.
Investors not put off by these predictions can look to the five elements for guidance. Wood is expected to be the strongest this year, so industries including clothing and papermaking are likely to outperform others. The weakest elements in the Year of the Dog are metal and water, so steer clear of precious metal mining, shipping, casinos, retail and finance.
Real estate warning
As Hong Kong property prices soar ever higher, anyone engaging in speculation should be warned that the Year of the Dog could be the time for the market to crash.
But while this would spell disaster for short-term speculators, investors need not be too alarmed if their assets take a tumble. Any downturn in the real estate and stock markets will not be long-lasting, and investors who hold their nerve through the Dog-driven downswings should emerge unscathed in 2019.
Lucky Rabbits
Rabbits are in union with the presiding god this year, which means they will get help from other people in their careers and social lives. When it comes to romance, Pigs and Snakes are blessed by relationship stars, so this is a good opportunity for them to meet new people or get married.
Dogs, meanwhile, are offending the presiding god. They should take care of their physical and mental health as they will be prone to bad moods and minor illnesses. Dragons may be in for turmoil in their relationships or career as they are in conflict with the presiding god. This need not necessarily be a bad thing, as change will mean progress for some Dragons.
What’s in Store for You in the Year of the Dog?
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.
Dogs are offending the presiding god this year and have no lucky stars in their constellation, so they may suffer from bad moods and a lack of motivation at work. They are also prone to bloodshed, so donating blood is a good idea to preempt any real injury. Dogs should not avoid socializing because visiting friends will help alleviate depression, while entrepreneurs and the self-employed will benefit from networking with clients.
Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)
Kind and thoughtful. Sincere and honourable. Self-sacrificing and altruistic. Occasional fits of wilfulness and rage.
The relationship star Tian Xi is in the Pigs’ constellation this year, which means they will have excellent luck in romance and other personal relationships. At work, powerful male figures are likely to be a more positive influence than female. Pigs will also enjoy the best fortune among the star signs, especially entrepreneurs. But be wary of lending money to friends, as the unlucky star Jie Sha means you could be taken for a ride.
Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)
Essentially charming. Compassionate. Renowned for thrift and love of family. Rather superficial at times.
Stability is the name of the game for Rats this year, who are unlikely to see spectacularly good or bad fortune. The unlucky star Fu Chen is in their constellation, which suggests Rats will stay in the same position without making progress. Last year, they were blessed by the relationship star Tian Xi, so single people seeking romance should capitalize on the lingering power of the star in the early months of the year to try to find a mate. If not, they will be out of luck until 2023.
Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)
Calm, patient, studied character. Takes things slow, steady pace. Is rather dictatorial but very industrious.
There may be trouble ahead for Oxen who are “torturing” the presiding god and likely to run into minor disputes. These conflicts are not easily resolved, so the best solution is to ignore them so they don’t escalate. Oxen are also in for an uneventful time this year at work. They should not seek promotion or a career change, and rather enjoy having a lighter workload. The lucky Tai Yin star means that female colleagues or bosses could provide good fortune.
Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)
Very warm, loving. Independent-minded. Pays scant regard to others when pursuing fun and freedom.
Tigers may find themselves in court this year. But it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be in the dock – rather that they will need to deal with government officials or lawyers. Backstabbers and gossips abound, so Tigers are advised to keep a clean nose to avoid giving them any grounds for complaint. Seeking a fast way to wealth is also not a good idea this year as it is likely to end up with poor returns, or even legal disputes. A distant union with the presiding god means that foreign people may be of assistance to Tigers.
Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)
Very sensitive soul. Discreet but quietly ambitious. Self-indulgent.
Stability returns for Rabbits who are in union with the presiding god after being in conflict throughout last year. They will be on better terms with people and unlikely to see drastic changes. Single Rabbits who are not looking to get married just yet are in luck as Xian Chi, the star of temporary relationships, may bring them short-term romance. It is not a great time for investment however, and some minor financial losses may be on the cards.
Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
Charismatic and colourful. Wants to be centre of attention. Very arrogant, lucky and successful.
Dragons are in for a bumpy ride as they are in conflict with the presiding god this year, meaning changes to career, lifestyle or relationships could well be on the horizon. Those in a relationship should work hard if they don’t want to split up, while happily married Dragons may see the big change come in the form of a child. Da Hao, the star of financial loss, is in the constellation this year, so Dragons may find their bank accounts take a hammering.
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.
Interpersonal relationships go from good to even better for Snakes. Last year, they were in union with the presiding god, and this year they are blessed by the relationship star Hong Luan, making them even more attractive. This year is therefore a good time for Snakes looking to meet a long-term partner and to establish trusting business relationships. Snakes may do well in their careers, but they will have to work hard for it.
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.
In union with the presiding god this year, Horses continue last year’s good luck when it comes to getting along with other people. Single people who didn’t manage to get married last year could still be in luck in the early part of this year. The star of wealth Jin Gui is in the Horse constellation and there are also no major unlucky stars, so there may be good fortune ahead –although it will not come without hard work.
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 need to be careful in all aspects of their lives this year as they are “torturing” the presiding god. Whether it is dealing with romantic developments or business deals, Goats need to keep their temper in check and be careful not to jeopardize their relationships. When confronted with gossips, they should stay calm. Gastrointestinal complaints may be an issue, so Goats should also avoid agitating their bodies with unhealthy food.
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.
This could be a year of travel for Monkeys as the star of mobility, Yi Ma, is in their constellation. Even if there are no major life changes on the horizon such as moving abroad, Monkeys will at least enjoy more overseas holidays than usual. Such mobility can also have negative consequences, however, and Monkeys should do their research before considering changing jobs, for example. Next year will be a much better time for Monkeys seeking a career change or promotion.
Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
Brave and enthusiastic. Notoriously picky. Highly intelligent. Rarely has wool pulled over its eyes.
Negative influences linger for the first few months of this year as Roosters offended the presiding god last year. Attached Roosters who are not married run the risk of breaking up in the first half of the year. The inauspicious star Bing Fu could also bring minor illness. On the positive side, you have the lucky star Mo Yue, which could help with job promotion and improve your social standing.