Hamster prices triple in China
By Michael Bristow
BBC News, Beijing

Hamsters have become the must-have pet in China since the Year of the Rat began on 7 February.

Pet shop owners say stocks are running low - and prices high - as children clamour for a furry friend.

According to the Chinese media, prices have tripled to about 30 yuan ($4.20, £2.10) per hamster across the country.

banks now selling Hamster Backed Securities (HBS)

-- JimmyMac, housepricecrash.co.uk