The number of Russians who have savings accounts has decreased to 24% from 31% in the past four months with fewer people saving money in rubles, an opinion poll carried out by the Russia Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) showed.
According to the poll carried out last month, 71% of respondents said they had no savings accounts compared to 65% last November. Overall, these are people in provincial towns aged 25-59.
The typical owners of savings accounts are residents from Moscow and St. Petersburg, most of them elderly. The main motivation to save money is their desire to have some cash in case of unexpected expenses (27%) or emergencies (24%), with many respondents accumulating money to purchase real estate (20%). Fewer people save money for medical treatment, education or holidays.
The ruble remains the main currency for Russian savings; however, the survey showed people have lost trust in it. The number of individuals saving money in rubles has decreased from 86% in November 2009, to 79% in February 2010. Traditionally, residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg prefer the dollar and euro to the Russian national currency for their savings. On the other hand, the vast majority of provincial inhabitants is loyal to the ruble.
The survey was held February 20-21, 2010, with 1,600 respondents and a margin of error of 3.4%.
MOSCOW, March 3 (RIA-Novosti)
