Update!  Crossing Red Lines fuels the High-Energy Horse to Disrupt the Disruptors!

Happy Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse! 

Imagine the Unimaginables for 2026 

“Predicted volatility; fortune favors the brave but tests the unprepared”

Happy Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse 2026! We have now officially crossed over from the observant Year of the Snake or for me the Ouroboros which was dominated by many circular events and circumstances. If you have not yet read my "Imagine the Unimaginables" posted Feb. 7. please do so if you have time before reading further: https://www.invest-a-vision.com/blog.

The Year of the Ouroboros was also one of "moving fast and breaking things!" Some may even characterize it as crossing some real red lines, lighting up resistance and a greater readiness to fight with the realization that there is no going back and accepting that it is for the better. The Year of the Horse will display a greater energy of recapturing the founding principles outlined in the American Declaration of Independence 250 years ago and the Constitution assuring basic freedoms, justice for all in the form of the rule of law, equality with dignity and respect -- the pursuit of happiness or as written in the first part: 

"It is also more evident around the world that there’s no going back and so to go forward, we have to come up with solutions that work for everyone. NATO worked 80 years and the US experiment for 250 years. So let's take the best and working parts and reconstruct them both to work in this modern era: liberty, equality, checks and balances, the rule of law, and power to the people." 

Disrupting the Disruptors: 

In the past couple weeks since my "Unimaginables" were published, I have had further thoughts of how some of the unimaginables may become more and more imaginable. It strikes me that there is persistently growing evidence that people are tired of the lies and really want to get back trust in the system and one another. After the blue sweep in Novermber, victory was achieved through a focus on fixing things that are broken and barriers to improving the quality of lives for the constituents--a greater emphasis on local community issues. Most of the winning formula was a true authenticity and empathy. No more bullying. No more anonymity. A recognition of the community and the ability to advance together. Authenticity is something real, not fake and cannot be bought. Just imagine a campaign that cannot be bought. Ha, unimaginable. 

Unimaginable #1)  The Europeans and the American Democratic Party, often referred to as “Woke” take ACTION! Unimaginable! It has become existential for both to rise up!

Update: Europe + UK are looking to cut the umbilicol cord with the USA but keep NATO intact. They simply become a lot more self-sufficient and independent when considering their own security. This is exactly what Russia doesn't want. They can keep their high moral stance, but with more flexibile implementation.

Weapons of Truth: Video cameras, exposing lies and fake news with official implicating quotations, official records of misconduct, flood the zone with facts and positive events. Authenticity and empathy and decency will win votes. Disrupting the Disruptors!

Unimaginable #2): Talk of the Tech Bubble dissipates until it doesn’t...

Update: Tech Bubble talk did not only dissipate, the bubble got pricked whereas all sectors and industries negatively affected by advances in AI corrected. It was overdue as valuations got unjustifiably high. 2025 results were mostly good, but the capital spending announcements freaked the markets out esp. because many included debt financing. There is greater discussions regarding the possible negative macro-economic implications of these advanced AI models scaring people and investors and a greater call for regulatory guardrails and oversight.

One podcast, Plain English with Derek Thompson discusses these concerns with Josh Tyrangiel, author of the Atlantic Monthly article, "America Isn't Ready For What AI Will Do To Jobs"

"In his epic cover story for The Atlantic this month, staff writer Josh Tyrangiel spoke to dozens of economists, workers, tech CEOs, and AI experts about the danger that artificial intelligence might pose to the labor force. Is AI developing the capacity to automate and even replace millions of white-collar jobs, as many technologists and some economists predict? Or is this a normal technology that, like previous generations of technology, will have a much slower effect on the workforce? We cover several scenarios before asking: Why does it seem like nobody in politics is paying close enough attention to this story?"
Links:(https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/plain-english-with-derek-thompson/id1594471023?l=en-GB&i=1000749582959 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1iaveBn3I8jVmxCSlKUVCK?si=OISsJ8mYSwy25I8GMBgs3A&t=6&pi=X1quWIteRKioq

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/03/ai-economy-labor-market-transformation/685731/

On top of this are several hearings/lawsuits against Social Media companies and their algorithm strategies possibly causing addiction in young people (and adults). There are calls for greater regulation and oversight. It is not about content and free speech. Will Internet platforms become subject to penalties for causing harm and/or have to start paying for the data they keep scraping? What does that do to their business models? Winner takes all if there is no longer much there to take? Disrupting the Disruptors! 

 Unimaginable #3): Consume or Not to Consume

Update: America's GDP is highly dependent on not only AI Capital Investment, but mainly Consumption. Consumption is higly influenced by inflation expectations, jobs and job security and fiscal stimulus. Expectations are such that markets really want lower interest rates, but only if that can be justified. Rates may fundamentally need to rise (inflation, debt premium, solid GDP expansion, decent consumption, new Fed Chair, Kevin Warsh) --> Disrupting the Disruptors!

Why Adam Posen Thinkis Inflation Will Surge Back to 4% (Bloomberg Odd-Lots Podcast)

"The future is always tough to predict, but generally when it comes to inflation, a lot of the debate is about how long it will take the Federal Reserve to get back to its 2% target. In other words, people generally agree on the direction, but disagree on the speed. But our guest on this episode violently disagrees with the consensus direction. Peterson Institute President Adam Posen thinks inflation will be back at 4% by the end of the year. He first unveiled his thesis in a piece co-written with Lazard's Peter Orszag last month. Posen argues that the lagged effect of tariffs, immigration, further fiscal easing, and declining Fed credibility will combine to cause prices to reaccelerate. In this conversation, we speak with Posen about his thesis, and why he thinks the reports of economic softening are mistaken. We also talk about the broader geopolitical landscape and whether Europe is ready to really change its relationship with the United States."

https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/odd-lots/id1056200096?l=en-GB&i=1000749568039 /  https://open.spotify.com/episode/0x5KmH57BTlB7R9QaLmqUZ?si=gmOH19SRSwGgxrR4-5meVg

Unimaginable #4): Alternative Energy esp. Solar Power beats Oil

Update: Demand for electricity is expected to grow. Alternatives esp. Solar, + Gas and Coal are the main fuel sources.  Alternative Energy is under negative scrutiny by the US administration, but there is one guy who is an outspoken sun freak, Elon Musk! Could he put the US back on track? Unimaginalbe! Disrupting the Disruptors!

Unimaginable #5): Another Bubble—Gold, Silver, Commodities? US Interest Rates actually stay steady?

Update: A few weeks ago, the main concern surrounding the commodity rallies was whether or not this was a debasement trade--a loss of confidence in the US dollar. Since then we have witnessed a major correction in Bitcoin and other crypto currencies which were the original debasement trade vehicles. Geopolitics continue to scare people and so even though the US dollar remains relatively weak, there may be few alternatives! Disrupting the Disruptors!

Unimaginable #6): A Building Boom in the Developed Markets 

Housing shortages have been a real albatross around the necks of most of the developed economies, esp. in the USA and Europe. Somehow building more and increasing the supply, an obvious solution is only regarded as one of last resort. Affordability is THE theme in this election year and if the parties can come up with a solution to create ownership and a greater chance for the middle class to grow wealth, it may be a winning formula. It should also bring rent prices down. Tax subsidies/incentives for the middle class to increase affordability--unimaginable? Disrupting the Disruptors!

Unimaginable #7): Away from the Algorithm and into the Analog — Analog is Cool! 

Update: Algorithms are becoming associated with harm, limiting people's productivity and learning capabilities, one huge distraction. It is now quite topical. At the same time if people demonstrating hadn't had their phones to record all the atrocities on the streets, we would be worse off.  Truth tellers! THe main point is meeting in person, having an in-person dialogue, interaction through discussion or sport builds communities. People find common purpose and with the interactive process build character and confidence and most importantly, trust. Truly unimaginable yet Disrupting the Disruptors!

Unimaginable #8): A Return to Nature Coupled With a Trend of Being Cool Without Extraordinary Wealth

Back in the '70’s after the 1966 Stock Market Peak and major social disruptions and change, it was actually a trend when you didn’t need a lot of money to have a fun and adventuresome life. It was reflecting the massive social change offering great chances and experiences for ordinary people. If you couple the Unimaginable #6 with this one, social mobility will spread and we may even get back our middle class. Unimaginable? Disrupting the Disruptors! in this case is in the definition of cool  --- not defined by wealth, but by creative and social skills and (political) actions!

 Unimaginable #9): What about China? Victory for Ukraine?

Update: THe lack of progress in the peace negotiations in the Ukraine makes it clear that the only solution is for the cost for Russia in carrying on is unsustainable and they must give up. Unimaginable, why? This is of great importance for Europe and the emerging Middle Powers. Europe together with a victorious Ukraine will be on stronger footing when negotiating with the all 3 Superpowers on trade and policies. Truly Disrupting the Disruptors!

Conclusion:

2025, the Year of the Snake-Ouroboros was hardly contemplative, more chaotic and energetic by moving fast and breaking things. Moving fast in politics (emergency orders), in government (DOGE), Artificial Intelligence in the race to AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), and breaking the old world order into regional hegemonies. Is any of this working? 2026, the Year of the Horse brings an abundance of positive energy with solutions which may look very different than those breaking things anticipated. It will also have its own elements of chaos, deliberate or not. Let’s see if we can get back fair and invigorating democracies, leaner and more efficient  government bureaucracies, growth and confident middle powers (checks and balances) and middle class, more social interaction and less anonymity/anamosity. A building of bridges and lasting peace—free, fair and justice for all. Now that’s a Rupture! Unimaginable?

Now for the Fun Part -- Some Chinese Year of the Horse Predictions:

Let’s see some predictions for the rupturing Year of the Horse and what is in store for us complements of Gemini AI:

For those of you who are curious, maybe a bit superstitious take a look at what I learned from asking Google-Gemini AI — funny it likes or has a bias towards Japan! I added some more details directly from this Feng Shui Academy link! These are not my ideas and anyway are mostly general and descriptive. Enjoy!

https://www.thefengshuiacademy.com/year-of-the-fire-horse-2026/#:~:text=The%20Financial%20Engine%3A%20Fire

%20represents,significantly%20from%20February%20to%20July

For Investors:

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac (starting February 17, 2026), symbolizing momentum, bold action, speed, and opportunity, leading financial analysts to anticipate a year of high energy, potential breakthroughs, and volatility, with focus on decisive moves, innovation (like AI), and potentially significant shifts in markets like Japan's economy, suggesting a dynamic, opportunity-rich, but potentially risky environment for investors. 

Key Themes for Financial Markets in 2026 (Year of the Fire Horse): 

• Momentum & Action: Expect forward movement, faster manifestations, and a push for rapid change, requiring proactive investment rather than observation.
• Boldness & Opportunity: The Fire Horse encourages courage, ambition, and seizing unexpected chances, with potential for significant gains for those who act decisively.
• Volatility & Risk: The combination of fire and horse suggests high energy, intensity, and unpredictability, leading to more rotations and potential volatility.
• Specific Market Focus (Japan): Analysts foresee major shifts, including accelerating inflation, potential interest rate surges, and a supply-side revolution, making Japan a key market to watch.
• Tech & Transformation: A strong link to innovation, especially AI, and the transformation of finance through tokenization, suggesting growth through structured, compliant adoption. 

Investor Sentiment: 

• Optimism for Growth: Many anticipate strong corporate earnings, robust economic activity (especially in Japan), and a continuation of the bull market.
• Strategic Positioning: Investors are advised to be active, reallocating towards tangible assets like gold for hedging, and making bold moves.
• "Act, Don't Just Observe": The general consensus is that 2026 is a year for taking clear, action-oriented steps to achieve significant results, moving past the cleansing year of the Snake. 

• Source: (Google Gemini AI)

Historical S&P 500 Performance in Horse Years 

Historically, the S&P 500 has seen varied, but on average weaker, returns during past Horse years (I put in RED what I wrote back in 2014 comparing market forces to the '30s). 

From The Fengshui Academy: :"The 2026 Yang Fire Horse is a year of rejuvenation and renewed momentum. While the “Peach Blossom” star brings romance and the “Double Fire” fuels the financial engine of the global economy, the atmosphere remains volatile. Success this year depends on harnessing the Sun’s radiant energy while avoiding the pitfalls of hot-tempered impulsivity. By protecting your South and North sectors and focusing on Water-related industries (Telecommunications, Shipping, Logistics, Spas), you can navigate the heat of the Horse with grace and profit. 

• "Spotlight: Telecommunications (Water Element)Telecommunications is a Water industry because it facilitates the flow of data. In 2026, the intense Fire symbolizes Money and Opportunity for this sector. We expect a massive surge in 6G development, AI-integrated communication, and satellite technology. While highly profitable, the “Double Fire” warns of network “overheating” or rapid, disruptive technological shifts.To know more about how each animal sign is going to perform in 2026, feel free to connect with us at info@thefengshuiacademy.com"  and 

https://www.thefengshuiacademy.com/year-of-the-fire-horse-2026/#:~:text=The%20Financial%20Engine%3A%20Fire%

20represents,significantly%20from%20February%20to%20July 

Disclaimer Note: Chinese zodiac predictions are based on cultural traditions and should not be considered as financial advice. Market performance is influenced by complex economic factors.

APPENDIX:

 - From Gemini AI: Recommended Sources & Links

For detailed annual forecasts, you can explore the insights from these specific authorities:

•  The Fengshui Academy: Provides a deep dive into the "Double Fire" engine and industry-specific winners.

•  Indosuez Wealth Management: Offers a professional financial outlook on "Taming the Fire Horse" through selective investing and global asset allocation.

•  BusinessToday (Joey Yap Interview): Focuses on how the "Fire Horse" is reshaping the "plumbing" of traditional finance and crypto.
•  South China Morning Post (SCMP): A great overview of how the fire energy affects personal and corporate

- **History Repeats Itself 2014 was also the year of the horse—powerful stock market!

"History Repeats Itself: Market Parallels to the ‘30s Financial Crisis Inspired by a Book  https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:eu:959f21e3-94f9-4e52-8c8e-34f7af2c20b5) 

Happy Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse!