Asia, depending on which country, is about 12 hours ahead of us. So, shops have been closed and the street vendors have already vacated their flower stalls along the streets to head home. By now, they are already in bed, after watching the firework display, for getting ready to bring in the New Year.

On New Year's Day the children will receive lucky money, crisp bank notes in red envelopes, from the elders, after saying best wishes in front of all the members in their extended family (they must, if not... no lucky money, very strict rule).

For the adults, all the preparation has been done several days before today, e.g. buying expensive gifts, e.g. diamonds, heavy gold chains (yes, pure gold and heavy...some of them look like a small rope looping around a coupke of times, etc. to show their affection to their favourite persons, and wealth to the neighbours, on New Year's Day).

The celeration continues for another week. So, not too much financial activities, including gold buying, would be expected during this period starting from a few days ago.

Happy New Year, Year of the Horse!

Cheers everyone,

goldhunter