Russians have shown more enthusiasm for savings accounts in 2010 than they did last year, a report published on Friday revealed.

The report found 63% of Russians put money away this year; in comparison only 22% thought about opening accounts in 2009, the French company Observatoire Cetelem said.

Russia was severely hit by the global economic downturn.

People in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal have also become more sensitive about their financial future. A rise in interest in saving accounts has been registered in these countries for the first time in ten years.

However, Russians did not share the growing European enthusiasm for buying second hand goods.

The survey was held in twelve large European countries and involved 8,000 respondents.

MOSCOW, April 16 (RIA Novosti)