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Press releaseSTARS IN THEIR PRIZE31 October 2003Research has turned on its head what many astrologers have long believed, that Sagittarius is the luckiest star sign. National Savings and Investments (NS&I) has revealed that people born under the sign of Cancer are luckier than any other zodiac sign when it comes to winning Premium Bond prizes. (See Notes to Editors)
Many people have a charm they consider brings them good fortune. While there's no substitute for well-planned finances, how many people consider that the time and date they were born might have an influence on their financial well-being? In October's draw, play it safe Cancerians topped the list of lucky star signs, scooping around one Premium Bond prize in every seven of the thousands given away. As a group, they won around £87,400 more than the next luckiest star sign. Lucky Leos were second luckiest (along with party animal Geminis), with ERNIE awarding them just over one in every ten Premium Bond prizes, worth £570,600. That kind of luck, combined with their generous nature, bodes well for friends and family who stand to be treated to meals out, new clothes or perhaps even a holiday with the winnings. Fiery Sagittarians, it appears, are not reaping the rewards of being ruled by the planet of luck, Jupiter, as they are among those at the bottom in the luck stakes. With ERNIE awarding them only one prize in every 25, it seems that Jupiter's influence over abundance, expansion and growth is failing to shape the state of their finances. Sally Swait, Premium Bond guru, says, "ERNIE is a Gemini just like Kylie Minogue, only less able to make middle aged men blush. Like other Geminis, ERNIE oozes charisma and each month he charms around 700,000 people born under all the signs of the zodiac by making them Premium Bond winners." "While many people believe their star sign affects their luck, regardless of your birth date Premium Bonds offer the same chance of excitement and the chance of tax-free returns. And win or not, you always retain your original investment". Ends Notes to EditorsThe research is based on the analysis of Premium Bond prizes £100+ (not including the £1 million jackpot) drawn in October 2003 and awarded to holders who started their Premium Bond holding during 2003 and for whom it was possible to attribute star signs. The results are scaled-up to reflect the total number of Premium Bond holders.
ERNIE is an acronym for Electronic Random Number indicator Equipment and was first switched on in 1957. In October, ERNIE awarded 734,468 prizes worth £41,313,900 Since the first draw in 1957, ERNIE has given away over 104 million prizes worth £6.7billion. There is currently £23 million in unclaimed prizes. There is no time limit on claiming prizes. Premium Bond investors can check to see if they have won by logging on to www.nsandi.com and using the Premium Bond prize checker. Sally Swait is NS&I's Premium Bond product manager. Further information on National Savings and Investments (NS&I), including press releases and product information, is available on the website at www.nsandi.com.
Media team The numbers below are for media use only. Customers wishing to contact NS&I can find details here.
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