After nearly three years of interest rate volatility that tried many investors’ nerves, the outlook for bonds appears the healthiest in years thanks to two key factors: Starting yields are near their highest levels in more than a decade, and markets are on watch for central banks globally to start easing policy after the recent hiking cycle. Of course, investors are understandably cautious. The historic rate increases in 2022 led to negative returns in most fixed income sectors. In 2023 and 2024, many investors began moving cash off the sidelines as yields reset at healthier levels, only to face renewed volatility. ... (full story)