And finally…born to be rich?

The findings are based on the so-called 2D:4D ratio, or ‘the digit ratio’, which is the ratio in length between your index and ring fingers, which is considered a reflection of the level of perinatal testosterone that acts on the development of the fetus during pregnancy.

While previous research has confirmed that many skills associated with success are linked to the widely known ratio, a new study conducted by a team of scientists from HSE’s Centre for Institutional Studies has been published in the journal Economics and Human Biology showing for the first time a link between the 2D:4D ratio and a person’s income.

The researchers conducted a survey of data on around 2,000 people with the participants an even split of men and women aged between 25 and 60.

A 2D:4D ratio was made for each participant using a specialised apparatus, while the respondents, whose identities remained anonymous, were asked a number of questions concerning income and salaries.

The results of the regression analysis showed a negative correlation between the income and 2D:4D ratios of women. In other words, the higher the salary, the lower the ratio.

The effect was negative even when taking into account salary predictors such as gender, age, education level, job position, and the position’s economic sector.

The same findings were confirmed in male subjects, though only after taking into account levels of education.

Prior studies have found that men and women with shorter index fingers compared to their ring finger are less anxious, better at mentally demanding 3D-rotation tasks and better at sport.

Studies also show high levels of testosterone in the womb correlate with an increased risk of developing diseases that are more common in men, such as ADHD, Tourette’s and autism.

Low levels of testosterone are associated with an increased risk of developing diseases that are more common in women, like anxiety and depression.