Yields on tranches of German debt fell below the amount paid by Japan for the first time ever mid-afternoon, as investors considered the likelihood of another round of stimulus in Europe.
Bankers could see bonuses capped at twice their basic pay and forced to return "golden hellos" if they fail to perform, under draft European rules being drawn up.
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has increased its quantitative easing programme by £50bn as it looks to shore up the UK's ailing economy.