Germany and France have issued short-term bonds at negative interest rates.

The French government on Monday sold 24-week bonds worth six-billion euros via bids at minus five- and six-hundredths of a percent interest.

It marked the first time for France to issue short-term bonds at negative interest rates.

The German government, on its part, sold 24-week bonds worth three-point-three billion euros at minus three-hundredths of a percent interest.

Issuing bonds at negative interest rates means buyers will be paid back less than they invested.