<i>Calm predicted for 2009</i>

The world can look forward to peace and harmony in 2009, but Chinese soothsayers warned that the road to economic recovery will be long.
The Year of the Rat, marked by an unprecedented, global financial crisis, will give way to a much more stable Year of the Ox, Chinese astrologists and feng shui masters predicted.
"The soil represents a garden or a green field, a feng shui symbol for harmony, relaxation, and recovery," Raymond Lo, Hong Kong feng shui expert, told AFP.
He said did not expect state leaders to be able to turn around the global economic situation in 2009 because the element of fire -- which motivates financial activities -- is missing for most of next year.
"It is a year for Obama to lay the foundation for his administration.
"The financial markets will go up a little but this will be short-lived," he said.
The prediction is similar to many financial forecasts.
Sarkozy's administration will be more stable than it was in 2008, because the strength of water will weaken in 2009, said Lo.