International News - Stereos are top of the Russian retail wish-list

Russians have put microwave ovens and stereos at the top of their shopping lists.

The items were the most popular responses when Russians were asked what they wanted to buy this year in a survey of 150,000 people by distribution company PPE Group.

However, it may be some years before such items become a commodity for many Russians - 93 per cent complained that they were unhappy with their pay and only 8 per cent were able to make regular savings.

When it came to borrowing money, 9 per cent said the bank would be their first choice compared with 72 per cent who would 'prefer to borrow money from friends and family.'