And what of the role of steroids, an issue that has dogged Bonds, McGwire and other recent sluggers, in all of this?

FORBES: Magazine Article

If policy makers make it clear which types will qualify, banks are likely to issue those sorts of bonds, resulting in an upswing in issuance, analysts say.

WSJ: Riskier Debt Still Beckons After Losses

Italy raised 5bn euros from a new issue of bonds on Thursday, but had to pay an interest rate of 6.087% to borrow the money for one year.

BBC: Eurozone's growth has stalled, says EU

For example, for those living off their investments, having too many stocks and not enough bonds (or the wrong type of bonds) and not enough cash could be an issue.

FORBES: Prudent Investors Are Prepared To Take Advantage Of Market Volatility

Allowing SMEs to issue junk bonds will give companies that have trouble getting bank loans an alternative means of raising capital.

FORBES: China In Transition

As I outline in an article in a recent issue of Forbes Magazine, holders of many states tobacco-backed bonds are worried about whether there will be enough cash on hand from the settlement to pay them out in full.

FORBES: Philip Morris Holds Back Ahead of Tax Day