Marcus Ashworth & Elisa Martinuzzi, Columnists

Risky Greek Debt Is Suddenly Sexy Again

Piraeus Bank’s issue of CCC-rated subordinated debt shows just how much risk appetite is out there. Investors are either brave or foolhardy.

Ultra-junk bonds are all the rage.

Photographer: EyesWideOpen/Getty Images Europe
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Who knew there was investor appetite for subordinated Greek bank debt?

Because of the relentless hunt for returns in yield-starved Europe, Piraeus Bank SA, one of Greece’s big four lenders, has been able to brave the European capital markets for the first time since the financial crisis.