Most important, realize that investors can get burned by fire-sale prices.

Smaller companies that were in the business just for the tax advantages have either left the field already or sold out at fire-sale prices.

Companies may not be available at fire-sale prices, but they are certainly cheaper than before.

When markets are falling, a fire-sale price may be the only offering.

Even worse, no other investors wanted to buy them, despite the fire-sale prices.

Where their citizens' health is concerned, some developing nations clearly have the edge over us on doing much more at fire-sale prices.

And these did not go for fire-sale prices, she added.

"But to get that way dealers had to mark down the 10-year notes to fire-sale prices."

"But not so anxious that will we sell at a fire-sale price."

But fire-sale prices are destined to end, he and other analysts say.