Greek bond issue raises 3 billion euros

A pedestrian walks in front of the headquarter of Greece's central bank in Athens on Wednesday, April 9, 2014. Greece confirmed Wednesday that it is returning to international bond markets for the first time in four years amid growing signs of confidence in the country. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis)

Greece’s Finance Ministry says its first return to the markets in four years has seen strong demand, with the country raising 3 billion euros through five-year bonds at a coupon rate of 4.75 per cent.

The ministry said in a statement that nearly 90 per cent of the sale was to international investors.

Thursday’s bond sale is Greece’s first since 2010, when it became locked out of the international debt market by high interest rates due to a severe financial crisis. It has been relying on international bailout funds ever since.

Markets in Europe traded in fairly narrow ranges Thursday as the successful return of Greece to bond markets helped further steady the nerves following a turbulent start to the week.