Each Lunar New Year is characterized by one of 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a new chapter begins with the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse—a rare and powerful pairing of one of the twelve zodiac animals with the Fire element in the sixty-year cycle.
In Chinese tradition, the Horse symbolizes strength, movement, ambition, and success. It is closely associated with speed, trade, travel, competition, and a fierce sense of independence. When combined with the Fire element— which represents intensity, passion, innovation, volatility, and even conflict—the result is a year believed to move fast and burn bright. Progress comes quickly, but it rarely comes quietly.
According to these beliefs, this year will be a year, of “energy, passion, ambition and transformation”. Fire Horse years often bring short-term growth spurts, bold decisions, and rapid expansion. Yet this same energy can lead to higher volatility later on, especially when expectations run ahead of reality. Fire Horse energy is restless and impatient; it pushes forward without always waiting for perfect conditions. This mindset is thought to ripple through leadership and global affairs as well. Fire Horse years are said to amplify ego, pride, and decisive action. Leaders may be more inclined to act first and negotiate later, meaning that small disputes can escalate more quickly if not handled with care.
In the world of shipping and trade—areas deeply connected to the Horse’s symbolism of movement—the effects can be especially visible. Markets may experience sudden demand spikes, congestion at ports, and volatile freight rates as goods, capital, and decisions move at a faster pace than usual.
The last horse year was in 2014 and it was bad; The 2014 dry bulk shipping market was characterized by a severe, ongoing crisis driven by significant vessel oversupply and weak demand, leading to depressed freight rates. Despite initial optimism and a strong start, rates for Handysize and Handymax carriers dropped significantly by mid-year, reversing 2013 gains. The market struggled with excessive capacity from the 2010–2012 newbuilding boom, while the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) plummeted from over 2,100 to below 800 by July.
Other Feng Shui experts suggest that as Water conquers Fire, Water industries, which "extinguish" Fire, will likely see high activity as they manage to control this year’s “fire” element. Therefore, industries like shipping & transport are expected to enjoy a profitable year with strong financial gains.
Traditionally, Fire Horse years are powerful but unstable. They can open the door to exceptional opportunities and great deals, but they also call for balance and restraint. Thus, in a year that urges us to move fast, the deeper lesson may be to pause, reflect, weigh our options, and choose carefully. Momentum is a gift, but it should not replace judgment. Embrace the energy of the Horse—but don’t get carried away by it.
Sometimes you need to simply hold your horses.
Data Source: Lion Shipbrokers