Chinese New Year forecast: In for a bullocking

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Chinese New Year forecast: In for a bullocking

According to Euromoney’s favourite Feng Shui queen, Master Lynn Yap, the coming 12 months will be nothing if not harrowing.

The Year of the Ox will be one of stubbornness, accidents, protests and riots.

"Ox is a hardworking animal so do expect us to be working very hard just to earn some dollars as things will be slow in the first half, and the second half is even worse than the first half," she predicts. "Any company logo that has an ox on it would be in trouble." Next thing you know she’ll be predicting Merrill Lynch will be taken over by Bank of America.

Master Yap’s top tip for 2009 is to throw lots of coins on the writing desk in your study or anywhere in the living room for additional good luck and to grow your wealth.

Here is what some of the beleaguered banking chiefs can expect in the Year of the Ox:

John Varley, Barclays, Monkey: "You are such a workaholic so it is time for you to relax a little and spend more time with family members or simply yourself."

Stephen Hester, RBS, Pig: "It is not going to be a good year and career is going to be slow and full of obstacles. Be thankful there is a job for you."

John Mack, Morgan Stanley, Goat: "Change job, change house, change car, change spouse. There is no money luck, therefore do not gamble."

Marcel Rohner, UBS, Dragon: "You would be advised to lie low and don’t get yourself into any arguments that could turn nasty."

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