The Fed would likely launch some kind of bond-trading plan despite concerns it might not yield big results, analysts say. Every bit of growth helps.

For the time being, though, Mr Papandreou may have to stay at home a bit more-and be sure that somebody in his office is keeping a close eye on the bond-trading screen.

Most are commercial bankers who have spent their careers working steadily through the branches rather than boarding the express lift from the bond-trading floor straight up to the executive suite.