Allianz Economist Shares Investment Tips for the Year of the Fire Horse
Jakarta, TopBusiness – The year 2026 is not a year to stand still, but neither is it one for directionless speculation.
According to Christiaan Tuntono, Senior Economist at Allianz Global Investors, Asian economies including Indonesia are currently entering a phase where opportunities are beginning to open as interest rate pressures ease, although volatility has not entirely dissipated.
Meanwhile, Angelina Fang, Co-Founder of Feng Shui Consulting Indonesia, described the Year of the Fire Horse as a period of great energy demanding swift decisions, focus, and discipline.
Both speakers presented their views on the 2026 economic outlook for Asia and Indonesia, along with Feng Shui trends and business strategy prospects for the Year of the Fire Horse, at an event recently hosted by Allianz Global Investors Indonesia.
The event, titled “Igniting Opportunity: Partnership, Prosperity & The Fire Horse Year Ahead”, was aimed at clients from a number of partner banks and business leaders affiliated with Allianz Life Indonesia.
Drawing on the insights shared by both speakers, the following are several investment tips for 2026 relevant to individuals and business operators alike:
Choose What Is “Ready to Run”, Not Merely Popular
In the Asian economy, growth in 2026 is expected to be selective. This means not all sectors or assets will rise simultaneously. In line with the Fire Horse energy, investors are advised to choose instruments or businesses that: - Already possess strong fundamentals, clear cash flows, and comprehensible business models - Focus on the technology and AI sectors, as the AI revolution will remain a primary growth driver throughout 2026 — not only among US tech giants but also at innovation hubs across Asia and Europe
Capitalise on the Interest Rate Momentum, But Don’t Rush
Christiaan Tuntono highlighted that real interest rates in Indonesia have only recently become less restrictive. This opens up opportunities for investment in both financial markets and the real economy.
However, the Fire Horse Feng Shui also serves as a reminder: moving too quickly can lead to recklessness. The recommended strategy is therefore: - Enter markets gradually - Diversify portfolios — avoid placing all funds at once - Maintain liquidity to capitalise on opportunities when the market faces corrections; in 2026, timing is a crucial factor
Asia and Indonesia Still Have a Medium-Term Story
Allianz Global Investors’ outlook projects that growth in Asia will continue to have strong fundamentals, despite pressures from trade policies and trade war tensions. This is driven by several factors: - Emerging markets such as India, ASEAN, and China have large consumption bases - Urbanisation and digitalisation continue to advance, broadening economic opportunities - Fiscal policy in many Asian countries is relatively more controlled, providing stability
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s 2026 economic outlook presents a combination of risks and opportunities: - Several institutions such as MSCI and Moody’s have highlighted policy risks and governance issues that have recently weighed on Indonesian market sentiment. This means investors need to pay closer attention to domestic policy direction, macroeconomic conditions, and capital market volatility - Nevertheless, Indonesia’s economic growth is expected to remain at a moderate level, supported by domestic consumption and a relatively favourable demographic structure - Indonesia also benefits from a low fiscal deficit and debt ratio, providing medium-term stability
In Feng Shui terms, this condition is described as “ground strong enough to withstand fire.” The implication is that opportunities remain open — provided the steps taken are not excessive.
Avoid Emotion-Based Investing and FOMO
Angelina Fang emphasised that the Year of the Fire Horse carries high emotional energy — from optimism and ambition to ego. In an investment context, this energy is often reflected in overly aggressive decisions or a tendency to follow trends without careful consideration.
Practical tips: - Do not invest simply because “everyone else is doing it” - Understand the risks, not just the potential returns - Set targets and loss limits from the outset to maintain discipline - In the Year of the Fire Horse, self-control becomes a valuable asset
For Business Owners: The Best Investment Lies in Execution
For business owners and professionals, investment in 2026 does not always equate to financial products. This year is in fact an ideal moment to invest in things that strengthen business foundations, such as: - Improving operational efficiency - Digitalising work processes - Strengthening teams, culture, and leadership
From both modern economic and Feng Shui perspectives, 2026 is not about grand plans without follow-through — but rather tangible results from consistent steps executed with discipline.
Balance Courage with Protection
The Fire Horse is synonymous with courage, yet still requires elemental balance. In an investment context, this principle translates to: - A diversified portfolio - Ensuring basic protections remain in place, such as insurance and emergency funds - Not sacrificing security merely to chase high returns - Conducting periodic rebalancing — flexibility is key; review portfolios and adjust according to needs and changing market conditions
The year 2026 is a year to step forward with confidence — yet with control. Combine modern economic strategy with Feng Shui insights to make smart and balanced investment decisions.