By late Monday night, No. 2 had become the most problematic of the three reactors, with all its fuel rods fully exposed, making them highly vulnerable to significant damage.

WSJ: Japan's Nuclear Crisis Escalates

European bond prices made gains on Friday morning, with the three-month German bund yielding 2.03%, from 1.68% late Thursday in New York.

FORBES: Europe Markets Brief

European bond prices fell on Friday afternoon, with the three-month German bund yielding 2.02%, up from 1.68%, late Thursday in New York.

FORBES: Europe Markets Brief