Historic changes in the eurozone bond market as France's benchmark yield surpasses Italy's in the midst of fiscal difficulties.

An indicator measuring the cost of borrowing in France exceeds Italy's comparable yields. Previously, the short-term government bond yields in France had exceeded the yields of government bonds in Italy for the same period. This change is astonishing for experienced market participants - for many years, lower-rated Italy has been a typical representative of fiscal profligacy in the region. Now, what is unsettling investors is France's large fiscal deficit. Sam Hill, Market Insights Director at Lloyd's Bank, pointed out, "The market's expectations for a quick resolution of France's political and fiscal difficulties may continue to be limited."