Italy: yields jump at bond auction Italy's borrowing costs have jumped in its latest auction of government bonds. The amount of interest Rome had to offer investors on bonds maturing in three years time hit 3.89 percent. That is a rise of more than one percentage point compared with a month ago when the yield was at 2.76 percent. It was the latest sign that the markets are unconvinced Europe is getting on top of its debt problems. Budget troubles in Spain and concerns about slowing global growth have turned the spotlight back on Italy's 1.9 trillion euro debt. However, in a more reassuring sign the Treasury raised 4.88 billion euros at the sale - just shy of its maximum planned amount of 5 billion euros. Italian officials have blamed external factors - an oblique reference to Spain - for the rise in yields and dismissed suggestions the slow progress of structural reform in Italy has put off investors. More about: Finance, Italian economy, Italy