But recent data reflecting still tight jobs markets has traders entertaining a new scenario where economic growth holds up and inflation remains sticky.
World stocks hit one-month lows on Wednesday, while Wall Street had its worst day of the year so far on Tuesday.
"We've gone from softer landing to no landing - no landing being that (financing) conditions will remain tight," said David Katimbo-Mugwanya, head of fixed income at EdenTree Asset Management.
Bond prices fall, and yields rise, when expectations of higher rates on cash make their fixed interest payments less appealing.
Reuters GraphicsEuro zone recession expectations mostly faded in mid January as energy prices tumbled.