Former Fed chief Paul Volcker has warned that the Fed’s recent use of “long-dormant” powers may set a dangerous precedent for the future, causing “market participants” to factor another Fed bailout into their increasingly reckless trading strategies.

“Whatever claims might be made about the uniqueness of current circumstances, it seems inevitable that the nature of the Fed’s response will be taken into account and be anticipated, by officials and market participants alike, in similar future circumstances,” Volcker said in prepared testimony before Congress.

From Dow Jones Newswire on Tuesday: “Shares of Lehman (LEH) added 12% after the company announced plans to offer $4 billion in convertible preferred shares.” Analysts are crowing happily at this news.