Chinese astrologers have been considering the prospects for investors in Hong Kong as the new year gets under way on 1 February. We asked our feng sui masters what they expect to see in the Year of the Tiger.
Economic Outlook
This is the first year in the cycle of Wood-Fire dominance, which means more turbulence ahead for investors. Stock markets are unlikely to climb much overall during the course of the year, and could take a dive in the early months before recovering later. However, this might provide the opportunity to buy stocks at a good price, whether you are aiming to hold for the long term or sell once they have recovered some ground. Whatever your strategies, the uncertainty ahead means that investors should keep a cool head and not be impetuous or expect huge gains.
Wood is by far the strongest of the five elements this year, so astrologers expect that sectors related to wood products will perform the best, including textiles and herbal medicine as well as furniture and logging. Water element sectors like retail, transport and finance are also expected to do reasonably well. The weakest element in the year ahead is Metal, so perhaps stay away from investing in this area.
Real estate prices are not likely to plummet, but they won’t soar either, so potential purchasers should take their time and not allow themselves to be rushed into making a decision. Property owners should also be aware that in this year, Triple Conflicts fall in the north, so it is better to avoid having construction or interior design work done on north-facing areas of the building.
Tiger Years Gone By
The previous Year of the Tiger, in 2010, saw a new addition to Hong Kong’s skyline with the completion of the ICC – the city’s tallest skyscraper and, at that time, the fourth-tallest building in the world. After the shock of the Global Financial Crash a few years earlier, Hong Kong’s economy rebounded strongly in 2010 and enjoyed buoyant GDP growth of 6.5%.
The new airport at Chek Lap Kok opened in June 1998, and since then it has become one of the world’s busiest airports for cargo and passengers. It has also regularly been ranked as one of the best airports in the world, and has played a key role in securing Hong Kong’s reputation as an international hub and global city.
In April 1986, an accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (in present-day Ukraine, then in Soviet Russia), was the most serious nuclear disaster in history, and contaminated countries across Europe.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption was founded in 1974, and over the next few years carried out a successful programme to get rid of corruption in the police force. This reform helped paved the way for Hong Kong to become known as an extremely transparent and safe city and place to do business.
September 1962 saw the arrival of Typhoon Wanda, one of the most powerful tropical storms ever to hit Hong Kong. At least 130 people were killed, with dozens more missing and 72,000 left homeless. Hundreds of boats were sunk or damaged, while the influx of sea water destroyed rice and other crops in the New Territories.
The Korean War began in 1950 when North Korean forces entered South Korea and the United States sent their military to help the defence. Twelve years earlier, war was a concern globally as the conflicts that would develop into World War Two were simmering. In 1938, the Sino-Japanese War was intensifying while at the same time, Germany invaded Austria and increased its attacks on Jewish people.
Personal Tiger Forecast
Tigers are offending the presiding god this year, which can mean relationship upheaval or minor injuries and illnesses, especially for younger Tigers. Those who have reached retirement age should take particular care of their health this year. Meanwhile, middle-aged people born in the Year of the Tiger are more likely to feel generally gloomy and restless. But on a more positive note, offending the presiding god can also simply mean changes to your life, which could be a new job, a new home, a marriage or growing family.
Personal Forecasts for the Year of the Tiger
Tiger
(1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)
Very warm, loving. Independent-minded. Pays scant regard to others when pursuing fun and freedom.
Some Tigers could see wedding bells or new babies this year, having been blessed by the powerful relationship star last year. Generally speaking, it will be a year of upheaval and Tigers should be particularly careful to avoid accidents. They will have to find their own path without any help from lucky stars, so it might not be a good time to make any big career decisions. Despite this uncertainty, the year ahead is set to be a good one for wealth.
Rabbit
(1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)
Very sensitive soul. Discreet but quietly ambitious. Self-indulgent.
With Xian Chi, the star of temporary relationships, shining on Rabbits this year, it is a great time for networking and making new contacts, as people will invariably find you likeable and attractive. It is better not to plan too far ahead though, as longer term plans may fall through. There will be more benefits if you just go with the flow. There is also good wealth luck predicted, whether you’re an entrepreneur or an employee.
Dragon
(1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
Charismatic and colourful. Wants to be centre of attention. Very arrogant, lucky and successful.
This is likely to be a busy year for Dragons with a heavier workload than usual, and you may find yourself simply treading water in career terms. But the hard work will pay off by helping extend your network and building your good reputation for the longer term. Health issues should not be a significant problem this year, but be careful that the extra workload doesn’t lead to bad eating and sleeping habits.
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.
Snakes are in conflict with the presiding god this year. This will not directly cause major upsets but you should be prepared for minor inconveniences and problems to arise throughout the year, such as losing possessions. This year is probably not the best time to make decisions like changing jobs or starting a new business, as stability will protect you from any malign influences. Make sure you keep up good communication with family and colleagues to avoid any misunderstandings.
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.
Single people born in the Year of the Horse will not have good love luck this year. On the other hand, relationships with senior people – at work, in your family and beyond – will thrive. So it’s a great time to focus your energies on climbing the career ladder or forming new business partnerships and growing your social capital. The lucky star of Wealth, Jin Gui, will help you grow your savings this year too.
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.
The influence of Xiao Hao, the star of minor financial loss, could be a worry. But people born in the Year of the Goat can neutralise this threat by spending money on something that they had been planning already – such as home renovations or a big family celebration. This year will be a time of hard work without any major financial payoff or career boost, but you will also enjoy good relationships with colleagues and contacts.
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.
A year of flux could be ahead for Monkeys, who are under the influence of both the Tian Ma mobility star and are in conflict with the presiding god. So it’s a good time to watch out for new job or business opportunities, or even changing career completely. Making such a move will not translate into wealth success immediately, but will lay the ground for the future. This year could also mean the beginning or end of a singificant romantic relationship.
Rooster
(1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
Brave and enthusiastic. Notoriously picky. Highly intelligent. Rarely has wool pulled over its eyes.
Time for Roosters to take the foot off the pedal. This is a transitional time – they will not have to worry about conflict with other people, but also they won’t have particular good luck in networking or impressing their superiors at work. Health and personal relationships will also remain uneventful. So it won’t do any harm to relax and build on the friendships developed in the previous year, and use the opportunity to make some longer term plans.
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 will be a better year than the last one for people born in the Year of the Dog, although the first few months will still have some negative influences lingering. So you should still be careful not to make the wrong impression, but your luck in relationships will improve as the year goes on. This will probably be a year of hard work for steady income, but if you have overseas business contacts or partners, they are the most likely source for business success.
Pig
(1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)
Kind and thoughtful. Sincere and honourable. Self-sacrificing and altruistic. Occasional fits of wilfulness and rage.
This will be a stable year for Pigs in terms of lifestyle, personal and business relations, and career. However, this reliable work ethic and steady pace will make a good impression on colleagues and contacts. This could pay off for employed people as they may get rewarded with a promotion. Younger people in particular should watch out for any internal opportunities and take action to put themselves forward, to make sure they don’t miss out.
Rat
(1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
Essentially charming. Compassionate. Renowned for thrift and love of family. Rather superficial at times.
There may be some degree of travel in store for those born in the Year of the Rat. This could simply mean travelling a lot within Hong Kong, or moving home or office. There may be a promotion ahead, but you will have to be proactive about seizing such opportunities and demonstrating your worth, as they won’t fall in your lap. Business owners should be more cautious and weigh up the pros and cons of new ventures.
Ox
(1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
Calm, patient, studied character. Takes things slow, steady pace. Is rather dictatorial but very industrious.
After a tough time last year, this will be a much brighter year for those born in the Year of the Ox, as they will be blessed by the Hong Luan star of relationships. You can relax and enjoy the positive environment and happy workplace of the year ahead. Or you can seize the opportunities to build your network for career and business development in the future. You will also enjoy improved health, but watch out for the impact of stress on your lifestyle.