MOSCOW, June 17 (RIA Novosti) - Single provincial women under 29 who have not finished school are the best Russian consumers, daily Noviye Izvestia reported, citing SSE Russia.

Analysts studied the consumer-sentiment index in Moscow, St. Petersburg and 11 other cities with population of more than one million, as well as some small towns.

It turns out that families with more children are less optimistic. Women are also more optimistic than men.

"We have concluded that Russian women are an economic locomotive," SSE Russia rector Jan Eklof said.

Russian women rated at 7.4 out of ten points in terms of satisfaction with their lives. Moreover, provincial women are happier than those in Moscow.

Women with an incomplete secondary education feel more comfortable than the rest, rating at 7.9 points. Educated women and MBA degree holders scored 0.8 points less.

The results showed that everyday comfort and family rated dramatically different. Single women appear happier than their married counterparts.

Russian citizens expect good economic prospects for next year, but are hoping to see major changes in five years. Europeans aged 50 and more are the greatest optimists. However, young Russians under 29 are growing more optimistic. Despite economic hardships, most Russians say now is the best time to spend money.