Investors are also buying more put options, contracts that give them the right to sell stocks and other assets at a specific price. The number of companies with stocks hitting new 52-week lows versus highs is increasing, and trading volume for stocks that are falling is also outpacing volume for stocks that are climbing. Inflation concerns and skittishness about how the Federal Reserve will react to headlines about higher prices are likely to stick around too. So it would appear that bond investors agree with Fed chair Jerome Powell, who has repeatedly described the current bout of inflation as "transitory." "The bond market is giving the message that inflation concerns are not permanent," said Steve Wyett, chief investment strategist with BOK Financial.

Source: CNN July 17, 2021 14:48 UTC