The Ox: A symbol of diligence and dependability

The ox’s reputation can be traced back to the ancient legend of the zodiac animals. During the mythical race organised by the Jade Emperor to appoint the zodiac signs, the ox graciously allowed the exhausted rat to hitch a ride on its back. The ox, diligently pushed on with the race, reaching the finishing line ahead of all the other animals. However, the ox’s kindness was betrayed as the wily rat eventually jumped off its back to cross the line first.

Though the diligent ox may have finished in second place, it has always occupied the first place in the hearts of ancient farmers. This was due to the ox’s valuable contribution to farming, which has made them highly prized assets. This view even led some families in China to consider oxen as members of the family.

This reverence for oxen also extends across cultures. For example, many people in India view cows as a sacred symbol of life that should be protected and valued. This gave rise to the term “sacred cows”. The importance of the common milk cow to farmers has also given rise to another affectionate phrase - “cash cows” – in recognition of their important contribution to farmers’ income.

This term “cash cows” has also caught on in the finance world and refers to businesses that generate a steady stream of profits, far exceeding its initial outlay, much like the milk from the cows. But as with anything, investing in cash cows requires due diligence.

Just like the ox, you can make your money work diligently through investments in many different asset classes. These can eventually contribute to building up your future nest egg. Learn more about the available investment opportunities by checking out our Insights page at www.eastspring.com.

We would like to thank our intern, Luis Lo, for contributing this article during his time at Eastspring Investments. We hope his investments are working diligently for him, just like the ox.