They can juice up returns, advisers say, and as the economy gathers steam, their primary risk - corporate default - declines.

Consequently corporate defaults will rise significantly and will probably continue at high levels until well into 2010.

Also, there is a likelihood of one or more major corporate defaults in the next six months.

But the rate of corporate defaults on bond payments is already well above historical averages - and climbing.

The company lost 70% of its stock value in two days and was advocated to file for bankruptcy in Spain's biggest ever corporate default.

Ms. Martini said the lull in corporate defaults might be nearing an end.

And the rate of corporate defaults has been rising.

The rate of corporate defaults is closely linked to the economy.

Similar factors may affect both corporate and personal default.

Still, even a string of corporate defaults will not put the company at risk.