GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA - It is not all doom and gloom next year as the Year of the Ox will be heralded by spurts of a bull market, according to an I-ching expert here.

Geocosmic Centre of Yijing Meta-Science Research Malaysia academic consultant Dr Chuah Chong Cheng said the year would get off to a positive start, bringing hope in global economic crisis.

However, he warned that the respite would be brief.

"The beginning of next year is good but it will not last. The rest of the year will see a lot of turmoil economically and politically.

"Crisis, in Chinese wei ji, means danger accompanied by opportunity. If you want to go into the share market, enter the ring at your own risk," he said.

Dr Chuah also advised the people to be prudent and even "stingy" in spending.

"The rainy season has started and throughout the year, there will be heavy rain and floods.

"The people should be more cautious over water-related diseases like dengue and chikungunya," he said.

Dr Chuah described 2009 as a terrestrial bull year, with "a double beginning of spring" that could spell "double trouble".

Indian astrologer S.S. Mano concurred that 2009 would be a difficult year not just for the economy but also in politics and personal health.

"There will be a lot of internal conflicts for Asian countries. It's already happening now and it won't stop just here.

"People will have to endure a year of hardship before things look better in 2010," he added.

He added that Jupiter was in transit from Sagittarius to Capricorn and this would bring a lot of changes globally. The transition ends on Dec 15 next year.

"An eclipse will happen on Jan 26, which is the Chinese New Year. Those with serious illnesses should be careful," he said, adding that the people could wear gold or yellow sapphire to attract good fortune.

Feng Shui master Lee Cheng Hoe predicted an upturn towards the end of the year.

"We can expect better things after August.

"Meanwhile, people can place water features at the south-west corner of their homes with the water flowing towards the inside to help counter negative energy," he said.