The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year linked to a different animal sign: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each sign is thought to shape the personality, destiny and fortunes of those born under it.
The Year of the Snake slithers into the cycle once every 12 years, holding the prestigious sixth spot right between the fiery Dragon and the free-spirited Horse.

The Snake is all about wisdom and transformation and in 2025, we are getting the Wooden Snake, which adds a dash of creativity and flexibility to the mix. Given the global macro and geopolitical landscape that is about to get a fresh shake-up (courtesy of a new US administration led by Trump), these traits might just be in high demand in the coming months.
Throughout history, while some Snake years have fostered stability and growth, others have tested resilience with volatility and uncertainty. From an investment perspective, this is no time for reckless bets. Stay sharp, adapt to changing conditions and move only when the timing is right.
Here are key events in past Snake years according to The Financial Express:
2013 (Year of the Water Snake): This was a year of cautious optimism and significant global events. The U.S. Federal Reserve began tapering its quantitative easing program, raising concerns over global liquidity. In China, President Xi Jinping focused on economic reforms and anti-corruption measures.
2001 (Year of the Metal Snake): During this period, the global economy faced a downturn, culminating in the aftermath of the dot-com bubble. The year ended with the September 11 terrorist attacks, which caused massive shockwaves throughout the world’s financial systems. However, some recovery started to take shape as markets began to adapt to new realities.
1989 (Year of the Earth Snake): This year marked pivotal global economic changes. The stock markets experienced volatility, with political events such as the Tiananmen Square protests in China. While the year was challenging for specific global markets, long-term investors found potential for growth as economies gradually recovered.
1977 (Year of the Fire Snake): In the US, the 1970s were a period of economic difficulties with stagflation causing instability. The 1977 Snake year was no exception, but it laid the groundwork for policies addressing these issues in the following decades.
In a recent research report, Goldman Sachs cautions that high valuations especially in the US tech sector have left markets vulnerable to disappointments. Elsewhere, Wall Street analysts much like the calculated Snake of the zodiac will slither back to their desks, meticulously crunching numbers around the complexities of trade levies, retaliatory duties and economic tensions.
Never mind, I’m still bullish on risk assets. Some positions will be adjusted to smooth out portfolio volatility, while others will stay put. It is all about balance, riding the upside while keeping the volatility in check.