Stargazers agree that the coming 12 months cannot fare much worse than the seesaw ride that the world went through in 2003, dogged by war in Iraq, fluctuating financial markets and mysterious diseases.

"On the whole, 2004 will be better than 2003," said Hong Kong-based Feng Shui Master Ma Li-wah, when asked about what the Year of the Monkey will bring.

"2004 will herald in a new fortune cycle. The global economy will continue to improve for the better with small enterprises expected to benefit most."

The political front is also expected to be a lot calmer, said the master.

"Although conflicts around the world will continue, like in Iraq, there will be no new major wars emerging. So the political situation is likely to see some stabilisation in the year to come."

While astrological predictions are often dismissed as superstitious nonsense, millions of people swear by what mystics say and Yue Hua, an astrologer from Nangyang in China's Hunan province, spoke in the same tongue as Ma.

"I think there will be no major wars next year," said Yue, but warned: "Corrupt people better watch out as many will be caught."

One of the major drivers of the world economy last year was emerging China and astrologers see the developing nation continuing its juggernaut drive.