As 2026 ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, Dato’ Joey Yap, founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics and Chief Consultant of the Joey Yap Consulting Group, warns that the market’s “invisible shocks” are now in plain sight.
He shared exclusively with BusinessToday that the collapse of Indonesia’s rupiah and stock market in January offered an early taste of the year’s defining theme: Volatility from visibility.
Dato Joey said investors react to perceived risks that come to light impulsively, all at once, and business and political leaders are compelled to respond. Against this backdrop, businesses across industries must adapt quickly to a year dominated by Fire energy — transformative, relentless and illuminating of what no longer works, according to Yap.
Finance: Fire Burns Through Tradition
In finance, Dato Joey adds that metal energy governs organisation, structure and precision, the backbone of traditional banking. But in 2026, he explains, “Fire illuminates inefficiencies and accelerates transformation. From money transfers and settlements to loans, the “plumbing” of finance is being reshaped”. Traditional finance now faces a rising challenge from crypto platforms offering familiar services alongside innovative products like the tokenisation of real-world assets. While it’s too early to declare winners, regulatory developments will be key indicators for investors seeking to navigate this fiery terrain, Yap notes.
Retail: Speed and Fickle Fire
Fire spreads quickly, and so too do shifts in consumer behaviour. According to Yap, retailers face a year where fast-moving trends and unpredictability dictate how and where people shop. Malls will need compelling reasons to draw foot traffic, competing against consumers’ screen‑time and online sales platforms. Conversely, small, locally distributed convenience stores may thrive, their rapid turnover perfectly aligned with the energy of the times. Businesses that can pivot quickly and capture attention in a crowded market are likely to flourish, Yap observes.
Healthcare: Breakthroughs Under Sunlight
Wood energy drives growth and renewal, and in 2026, it manifests in its masculine Jia form, fostering breakthroughs in research, healthcare business models and treatments. Yap notes that Fire and Wood have a close relationship, like sunlight fuelling growth, and specialists may see trends related to the heart, eyes, liver and gall bladder. For businesses, this signals opportunities to innovate, expand services and explore treatments that align with the energetic patterns of the year.
Hospitality and Tourism: Seeking Respite Amid Volatility
With Fire rising from the heart to the head, people are likely to seek travel as an outlet for stress and unpredictability. Yap predicts that while few destinations will be tranquil oases, there may be growing demand for spiritual or wellness-focused travel packages. Tourists won’t have time for slow-paced retreats, but they will seek experiences offering respite, reflection and a glimpse of enlightenment, a pressure-release valve in a fast-moving world.
Navigating the Fire Horse
For 2026, Dato Joey Yap has a clear message: Visibility breeds volatility, and agility is essential. Across finance, retail, healthcare and tourism, leaders who can adapt quickly, anticipate trends and embrace transformation will be best positioned to turn the Fire Horse’s energy into opportunity. As Yap reminds us, the Fire Horse doesn’t wait — it illuminates, challenges and compels action.
