However, the important question is does the French tax system offer zero such opportunities for tax avoidance?

FORBES: Why France's 75% Income Tax Rate Is Going To Be So Disastrous

Finnish two-year yields fell below zero for the first time, and rates on 10-year French and Austrian securities also tumbled to records.

FORBES: In Some Markets, Investors Losing Money On Purpose

On Sunday, French President Francois Hollande said he expected economic growth in France to be "barely above zero" in 2012, which chimes with the latest forecast from the OECD of 0.1% growth this year.

BBC: Italy recession deeper than first estimated