Astrology and the financial markets have a long and tenuous relationship. As long as markets have had ups and downs. And for some, the answers have been written in the stars.
There’s no hard evidence that astrology can predict the market, but with the recent upswing of interest in this ancient practice, Stockspot crunched five years of investing data to see whether our clients’ investment styles and outcomes matched the stereotypical traits of each star sign.
1. Capricorn
(Dec 21 – Jan 21): Slow and steady makes it up the mountain – at least that’s what people say about our Capricorn friends. The resourceful Goat doesn’t believe in get-rich-quick schemes, and will rarely impulse shop. No, it’s all about growth strategies and money, money, money.
What the data said: With the highest average balance over five years, Stockspot’s January-born clients certainly appear to have a flair for investing. Their conservative, consistent approach was evident in the way they resisted temptation to buy extra shares during market downturns.
Hot tip for Capricorn investors: You have a tendency to question yourself, but if your investment profile allows it, take advantage of market dips to supercharge your portfolio when markets are low.
2. Aries
(Mar 21 – Apr 19) Popular (internet) opinion tells us that Aries aren’t too focused on their financial future. They live for the moment, and while they’re hard workers, they splash their cash as soon as it hits their account. Tenacious and thrill-seeking, the Ram simply loves to ride the market rollercoaster.
What the data said: Perhaps unsurprisingly, Stockspot’s persistent Aries cohort were the longest investors, and were the most comfortable with market volatility. They had erratic top-up behaviour, randomly injecting their accounts with big chunks of money. However, their self-assuredness and staying power resulted in the second highest average balance.
Hot tip for Aries investors: Persistence is the key to investing, but what if you coupled your unshakeable confidence with the proven science of dollar cost averaging?
3. Pisces
(Feb 19 – Mar 20) According to astro.com, Pisceans are “hard to understand.” The idealists of the zodiac, they’re not money-minded and need financial advice more than any other sign. Strangely, despite their oft-cited dreaminess, they’re also creative and dedicated, and the second most common sign amongst billionaires.
What the data said: Despite a low appetite for risk, Stockspot’s Piscean clients had the third highest average balance, and were most likely to pay down debts. Perhaps they’re savvier than they’re given credit for.
Hot tip for Piscean investors: Getting rid of high interest debts makes you feel more grounded, but did you know investing can sometimes leave you better off than your mortgage offset account?
4. Scorpio
(Oct 22 – Nov 21) The sign of Scorpio rules sex, death…and taxes. Apparently Scorpios ferret away money like no one else, and it’s said that they’re the sign most likely to have a nest egg. The experts say Scorpios have a flair for investment and money management, and one of their special talents is inheriting wealth from adoring relatives and friends.
What the data said: Aside from leaning towards a riskier investment strategy, the data on Scorpios was evenly balanced, which correlates with their secretive nature. This could mean they’ll upend the data and surge in front of Capricorn in the coming years. Typical Scorpio.
Hot tip for Scorpio: Consistency hasn’t hurt your outcomes, but don’t wait too long to reveal your magic money moves. After all, it’s the early investor who gets the worm.
5. Leo
(Jul 23 – Aug 22) Being flashy requires cashy. And no one knows that more than Leo, the alleged confidence-exuding, luxury-good-loving, social climber of the zodiac. They’re generous with gifts and enjoy expensive hobbies, but with expenditure outweighing incomings, they’re not supposed to have the smoothest financial journeys.
What the data said: Leos had a shorter-than-average investment timeframe, but also had the second highest levels of comfort with market volatility. Despite their reputation for money illiteracy, they leaned towards higher growth portfolios, revealing financial nous under their glittering exterior.
Hot tip for Leo investors: Patience is more than a virtue – it’s a necessity. Remember, time in the market is better than trying to time the market.
6. Aquarius
(Jan 20 – Feb 19) Astrology lore tells us that money isn’t top of mind for Aquarians, as these humanitarians are far too busy focusing on ideals. Their broad-minded approach lets them see long-term trends and patterns in a way others can’t, but they prefer investing in relationships, not in the market.
What the data said: Aquarian’s alleged lack of interest in finance was backed by our data, which revealed they had the shortest average investment timeframe and a panicky propensity to sell shares when the market was down.
Hot tip for Aquarius investors: Manifestation can only get you so far. If you set an investment goal, you can visualise your future and create concrete steps to get there.
7. Virgo
(Aug 23 – Sep 22) “Failing to plan is planning to fail,” is a quote that supposedly captures the Virgo spirit. They’re the ones most likely to have a budgeting spreadsheet, scan their receipts, file their tax return on time, store all their records in alphabetical order, and, of course, have an investment account (or several).
What the data said: The stand-out trend amongst Stockspot’s diligent Virgo clients was their low average debts, and conscientious top-ups. In line with their personalities, they didn’t target higher returns and could have stayed invested longer, but perhaps this is why they sit in the second half of the astro pack.
Hot tip for Virgo investors: Ups and downs are part of investing (as well as life). Be confident that your thorough planning will set you up with a strong base.
8. Taurus
(Apr 20 – May 20) Dependable Taureans are meant to love the finer things in life, but they also love security and stability. As disciplined savers, they’ve usually got a stash that they’ll dip into for some good food and wine, luxury bags, and fancy cushions for their beloved couch.
What the data said: Taureans are shy of danger, and their portfolios match this trait with the lowest risk profile and lowest target returns. They were cautious investors with moderate account top-ups. This saw them head to the bottom in terms of overall balance.
Hot tip for Taurus investors: Yes, the market is always surprising, but if your portfolio is being strategically rebalanced and you’re topping up regularly, you don’t need to worry as much as you probably do.
9. Sagittarius
(Nov 22 – Dec 21) It’s a well-worn trope that philosophical Sagittarians love to travel, prefer experiences over material possessions, and approach the world with sunny optimism. They’re always looking for the next adventure and the next hot tip, which can lead to poor decisions when it comes to money and investments.
What the data said: Fiery Sagittarians may not be surprised that Stockspot’s Archer clients were the ones most likely to have a high-risk portfolio. They were unencumbered by debt, but their lack of steadiness saw them come in with the fourth lowest overall balance.
Hot tip for Sagittarius investors: Freedom comes at a price – and if you want the money to pay for it, try automated investing so you can spend your time doing the millions of other things you’re much more interested in.
10. Cancer
(Jun 21 – Jul 22) They’re meant to be one of the most emotional star signs, and they crave stability and the comfort of close family and friends. Kind and generous to a fault, they’re also financially conservative. Splurging on unnecessary items keeps them up at night, but they’re also the most likely to purchase an expensive home.
What the data said: With the third lowest overall balance, Cancer clients were less comfortable with volatility and preferred lower portfolio risk. They had a high average top-up amount, but weren’t very consistent with their deposits.
Hot tip for Cancer investors: Stability and predictability make you feel safe, so ensure your portfolio is properly diversified.
11. Gemini
(May 21 – Jun 20) Internet experts tell us that mercurial Gemini has wide and varied interests. They’re versatile, fun-loving, and seem to know about everything – including investing. While they’re terrible at managing their accounts, it doesn’t matter because their natural charm sees money somehow land in their lap.
What the data said: Geminis had the second lowest overall balance and expressed the highest levels of discomfort with market volatility. They leaned towards defensive assets – somewhat surprisingly for one of the more free-wheeling signs.
Hot tip for Gemini investors: The first step is admitting what you don’t know. You’ll become a better investor and experience the intellectual freedom you crave.
12. Libra
(Sep 23 – Oct 22) Librans are represented by the scales, and everything in their life must be balanced. These gentle souls tend to ruminate, and will examine everything three times before committing. Being thorough in money-matters obviously works because Libra is the most common sign amongst the 250 billionaires on the Forbes Billionaire list.
What the data said: Despite the high number of October born billionaires, our Libran clients were the least confident investors and had a low annual top-up average. Unfortunately, this leaves them in last place for the lowest average total balance after five years.
Hot tip for Libra investors: The scales should never tip too far in one direction, so make sure you have some defensive assets to balance out your portfolio. This will mitigate your stress levels and allow you to focus on your billion-dollar ideas.
