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Press releasePREMIUM BONDS LUCKIEST ZODIAC SIGN 200519 October 2005
Taureans, who include rock legend Bono, have taken the title as the luckiest zodiac sign this year according to National Savings and Investments (NS&I). Recent research has revealed that people born under the sign of Taurus (April 21 – May 21) are luckier than any other zodiac sign when it comes to winning top Premium Bond prizes in 2005 (see Notes to Editors).
Patient Taureans, who also include Queen Elizabeth II, found their loyalty has paid off as they topped the list of lucky star signs this year, having been the second unluckiest sign in 2004. As a group, Taureans collectively won over £7.7 million in Premium Bond prizes in the past 12 months – £178,000 more than the next luckiest star sign. Faithful Aquarians, who include Robbie Williams and Yoko Ono, were last year’s luckiest zodiac sign but this year their luck appears to have faded as they come in at seventh place with collective winnings of around £6.9 million. Shrewd Cancerians including entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker-Bowles have clawed their way back up the table to reach second place, just ahead of passionate Arians and charming Geminis. ERNIE, the Premium Bond prize machine, awarded Cancerians prizes worth nearly £7.6 million. That kind of luck, combined with their tendency to ‘nest’ and spoil those close to them bodes well for friends and family who also stand to benefit from their good fortune. Despite their determined nature, tenacious Scorpios who include Prince Charles and Bill Gates, along with visionary Sagittarians such as Kenneth Branagh and Brad Pitt, came in equal as the unluckiest signs for 2005. ERNIE (Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment), the machine that produces the winning Premium Bond numbers each month, was clearly not on their side as he awarded them each nearly £1.3 million less overall than top dog Taureans – perhaps fuelling their tendency to be jealous and resentful on occasion! Sally Swait, Premium Bond Manager, says, “ERNIE is a charismatic Gemini just like Welsh crooner Tom Jones, and is capable of generating just as much excitement. In fact he too is sent love songs and cards! Each month ERNIE charms over 1 million people born under all the signs of the zodiac by sending them a Premium Bond prize worth anything from £50 to the two £1 million jackpots. “While many people believe their star sign affects their luck, Premium Bonds offer the same chance of excitement and tax-free returns on winnings regardless of your birth date. And win or not, you always retain your original investment.” Ends
Notes to Editors The research is based on the analysis of Premium Bond prizes valued £500 and over awarded between October 2004 and September 2005, and for Bond holders whom it was possible to attribute a star sign. Results are scaled up to reflect the total number of Premium Bond holders.
Source: National Savings and Investments, October 2005
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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