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Media centre /
Press releaseA SERIOUS INVESTMENT: SAVERS BUY A RECORD £580m PREMIUM BONDS IN JANUARY 200318 February 2003People looking for a safer home for their money have been investing in Premium Bonds according to National Savings and Investments, the Government-backed savings and investments provider, which sold more than £500 million in just one month - a record in the Bonds' 46-year history. £580 million Premium Bonds - the unique investment that offers savers tax-free prizes rather than a normal interest return - were sold in January 2003, making this the most successful sales month ever and beating the previous record by more than £100 million. Gill Cattanach, NS&I Commercial Director, said: "It is clear from these remarkable sales that, increasingly, Premium Bonds are being regarded as a serious yet fun investment. "People of all ages are looking for a safe home for their money and an investment in Premium Bonds provides just that, as well as the chance of tax-free returns and an element of excitement. People really like the idea of investing money with the chance of winning prizes and knowing that they can always get their money back." During the month NS&I sold, on average, £18.7 million Premium Bonds per day - which equates to an average of almost £13,000 per minute. In total, more than 200,000 people bought Premium Bonds in January. Premium Bonds are being regarded as a serious investment and this is reflected in the thousands of customers who, during the month, bought the maximum Premium Bonds holding of £20,000. More than 23 million people - a quarter of the UK's population - currently hold Premium Bonds and the total amount invested is in excess of £18 billion. Each Bond entered into the draw has an equal chance of winning, no matter when it was bought. In the prize draw in January 2003 Bonds worth £50 and under, and purchased as far back as 1956, won prizes worth over £240,000. Each month NS&I awards one jackpot prize of £1 million and more than 600,000 other prizes from £100,000 down to £50. ENDS Notes to Editors
Media team The numbers below are for media use only. Customers wishing to contact NS&I can find details here.
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