That’s rich… the 24 golden genes that could make you wealthy

WEALTH and success may be less to do with hard work or luck and more to do with DNA, it seems.

An analysis of 286,000 Britons showed that the genetic makeup of those who earned over £100,000 differed from those on low incomes. A scan pointed to 24 ‘golden genes’ that affect intelligence, the immune system, and the strength of muscles and heart – and so can make the difference between economic success and poverty.

The discovery follows work at the Centre For Cognitive Ageing in Edinburgh. Three-quarters of the genes are linked to intelligence, the scientists found. But physical attributes also affect the chances of being wealthy and some of these may be inherited.

‘Genetic variants associated with higher income correlate with a genetic predisposition for greater intelligence, a longer lifespan, better physical and mental health, fewer feelings of tiredness, having fewer children and better living conditions,’ the researchers say in a paper which is yet to be published.