The demand was far higher than the $10bn median forecast in a Reuters poll of money market traders.

According to a Reuters poll, one unidentified City institution believes the UK economy actually shrank by 0.2% in the quarter.

The demand was well above the $10bn median forecast in a Reuters poll of money market traders.

The proposal comes just days after a Reuters poll revealed that carbs have eclipsed terrorism and job uncertainty as Americans' greatest fear.

Economists had expected unemployment to drop by 10,000 and for the rate to remain 6.9pc, according to a Reuters poll.

A Reuters poll showed eurozone banks were expected to take up €250bn euros at the tender, although forecasts ranged from €50bn to €450bn euros.

That compared with a forecast rise of 0.3% in a Reuters poll of economists.

In a Reuters poll, analysts had forecast a monthly increase of 0.1pc and a 1.5pc annual rise.

A Reuters poll indicated Biden the superior candidate, 42% to 35% with 23% undecided or believing they tied.

A Reuters poll, consisting of over 100 humanitarian experts named Sudan as the world's most dangerous spot for children.