Men with longer ring fingers likely to be rich: study

A new study by researchers at the Concordia University, Canada, found that the longer the ring finger compared to the rest of his hand -- particularly the index finger -- then the more chance he is the kind of go-getter who makes big money.

It also mean that he is the kind of "work hard, play hard" man who doesn't take no for an answer -- whether it is sealing a financial deal or trying to win a girl's heart.

On the other hand, the researchers said, women who want to play safe should stick with a man whose index finger is a lot longer, which means he is likely to be "Mr Reliable" who doesn't take risks, even if it may be a bit boring, the Telegraph reported.

According to them, testosterone levels affect the ratio in finger lengths in both men and women, but it is only men whose personality traits are also directly linked to these levels.

Where men who have a low ratio, ring to index finger, have higher testosterone levels that make them alpha males. These men were found to be bigger risk takers but with a stronger will to win whether it is playing the stock market or playing squash, they said.

For their study, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, the researchers measured finger lengths and personality differences among 415 men and women.

The alpha males, whose ring fingers were longer than their index finger, were found to be greater risk takers in all areas of their lives.

These are often the kind of men women go for, said lead researcher Eric Stenstrom, because they are seen as fit, rich and assertive he added.

He said: "Our findings show an association between high testosterone and risk-taking among males in three domains: recreational, social and financial.

"Since women tend to be attracted to men who are fit, assertive and rich, men are apt to take risks with sports, people and money to be attractive to potential mates.

"What's interesting is this tendency is influenced by testosterone exposure – more testosterone in the womb can lead to more risks in the rink, the bar and the trading floor in later in life."