The move comes after Portugal placed €1 billion in treasury bills on 20 February at negative interest rates.

According to the Portuguese Treasury and Debt Management Agency (IGCP) page at Bloomberg, the country placed €850 million in 11-month bills at an average interest rate of 0.363%, negative again and lower than the rate registered on 17 October when €1 billion were placed at -0.260%.

The country also placed €150 million in bonds at an average rate of -0.389%, less negative than the rate verified on 17 October when €250 million were placed at a rate of -0.426%.

Demand for 11-month bonds reached €1.98 billion, 2.34 times more than the amount issued, and 3-month bonds saw demand of €905 million, 6.03 times more than the amount issued.