To be sure, some observers warn that subprime bonds abruptly plunged last year and could again, particularly if the outlook for the U.S. economy deteriorates or the European debt crisis intensifies.

WSJ: Toxic? Says Who? Taste

For years the Conservatives used the Winter of Discontent to warn voters not to trust Labour again. they hope to do the same with debt, the banks and that obscure rate few of us understand, called LIBOR.

BBC: Barclays Banks - A Whitehall whodunit

And polls show a similar result may be produced again this time, although European leaders warn deviating from the cost-cutting path could lead Greece out of the euro.

BBC: Journey across crisis-hit Greece