Well, we all know how wrong they turned out to be, at least when it came to telling us how global equities would fare. Many of the Street’s experts, who had pored over numerous charts and data, went way off the mark as they predicted gloomy times ahead. Incredibly, it was a different breed of forecasters who got it right. They were the astrologers. Two of them, in particular. In February 2009, Outlook Profit had spoken to a few astrologers, who specialise in financial markets forecasting, for their take on what would happen to the markets. And guess what? Using the stars as their guide, two of them made some scarily accurate predictions. Equity futurologist Mahesh Gowande of Stockzodiac predicted that the market would bottom out in March. “We believe a firming-up process has already begun and expect the market to bottom out before March 9,” he forecast in February. He also said that crude oil prices would touch $70 a barrel during the year, at a time when the price of oil was around $48 levels. Ganeshaspeak’s Dharmesh Joshi was another man who seemed to have the power of seeing into the future accurately. He (along with Gowande) forecast that real estate stocks would do well.

Given their eye-popping predictions, it made sense to approach the two forecasters once again for their views on what the stars foretell in 2010. Will 2010, which is also year of the tiger as per the Chinese almanac, be a good year for investors? Based on the planetary transits, astrologers believe the markets will be prone to periods of volatility, but will not end up in a bear trap. Planet-wise, in December this year, Jupiter has transited from Capricorn to Aquarius, both of these signs are ruled by Saturn. Saturn itself is transiting Virgo, the sign of Mercury, while Rahu is in Sagittarius (a sign ruled by Jupiter) and is expected to stay there for the whole of 2010. Mars is transiting Cancer, the Moon’s sign, which happens to be in a sign of debilitation. It will spend about seven months in Cancer, astrologers say.

What does all this mean? Simply put, according to Dharmesh Joshi of Ganeshaspeaks.com, 2010 will be a year for short-term investors. “Don’t go by rumours and tips. Do not take undue risks and limit yourself to positions wherein you can take deliveries,” says Joshi, who handles the financial advisory at the portal. Renowed astrologer Bejan Daruwalla recently bequeathed his astrological legacy to the portal with which he was associated since 2003.

According to astrologers, if one were to take a look at the birth chart of India, the ascendant is Taurus. As per which Mars, which is the lord of the 12th house -- which indicates foreign investment -- is in the second house of finance. “Thus, we are seeing investment from foreign investors,” says Joshi. Further, the present transits show that Ketu is transiting the 11th house, while Sagittarius and Saturn will transit through Virgo, the 5th house of speculation.

“Hence, we will feel a paucity of investment and slackness in inflows,” says Joshi. More importantly, in January, March, April and May there is possibility of a selloff from these investors. Against such a backdrop, Joshi feels the year will be fruitful for short-term traders. Jupiter, says Gowande, is considered a benefic planet and has its own light and energy. The planet has entered Aquarius sign, so defence-related and high-end research projects are expected to see slow movement. Importantly, according to Gowande, defence expenses will be cut down across the world.In the case of gold, which is used as defensive commodity, a significant price correction is expected before May 2010. On the positive side, the software sector – with 5th aspect on sign Gemini -- will give a big upward movement and will be the driving force behind the Nifty. The 9th aspect will help the media sector in a big way, while another sector that might come out of very long sideways phase is FMCG stocks such as Hindustan Lever, Colgate, Dabur and ITC. Movement is expected to build up in the textiles sector. Hence, astrologers believe a slow and steady accumulation will start delivering results in the second half of 2010. Another curious observation is the sign opposite to Jupiter indicates a bullish undertone, points out Gowande. “Sign Leo, which represents the index or Nifty, will see increased volatility but with a positive bias.”

As Jupiter shifts into the sign of Pisces around May 2, watch out for a mega rally in Indian pharmaceuticals sector, says Gowande. Besides, the markets will see huge inflows. Gowande feels agriculture-related stocks, especially United Phosphorus, Tata Chemicals and RCF, hold lot of promise. The second sector that really could give a surprise bounce and take everyone by surprise is the highly leveraged realty companies.