After the ups and downs of the stock markets and the economic woes of 2009, 'volatile' is a word most investors would rather not hear in predictions about the Year of the Tiger.
But volatile it will be, if we are to believe economists and their forecasts for the next 12 months. For, the Year of the Tiger is not usually one that passes quietly, with conflict and disaster being more the norm and playing their part on the shifts and turns in the global economy.
According to predictions by astrologers and fung shui masters, the stock market will dip and swing its way through the year as the influences of the Tiger and the disharmonious pairing of this year's dominating elements of wood and fire make it a year when fortune favours only the brave.
However, investors may be able to seek solace in gold with the price forecast to stand firm, as would be expected if those predictions of international conflict become a reality.
Generally, if we are to take 'tigernomics' seriously, the year will be better than the Ox year of 2009, bringing increased optimism, which in turn will have a positive effect on the stock market and bring a stronger second half to the year and also better news for the banking sector.
The Tiger is the third of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. In addition, there are five basic influencing elements - metal, water, wood, fire and earth - which alternate making the Chinese zodiac a cycle of 60 years. There is also the influence of yin, with its female characteristics, and the stronger male yang.