The interest rate earned by holders of French 10-year government bonds fell to a record low 2.414% in early trade, down from 2.531% at yesterday's close. Across Europe, prices of bonds issued by countries considered to be at less risk from the debt crisis have tended to rise in recent weeks, pushing down their rate of return, as investors seek to put money in safer instruments.The yield on French two-year government bonds also fell to a historic low of 0.399%, with five-year bonds at 1.259%.