Default rates are likely to increase from low levels

Last year was quite a remarkable year for bond markets, with high levels of volatility pushing investor sentiment to the limit. As we turn the corner into 2012, macro risks will likely ensure further market turbulence.

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Partner Insight: Markets hold steady amid uncertainty

Mike Riddell, portfolio manager of Fidelity Strategic Bond Fund, provides an overview of the macroeconomic environment and outlines his views across the strategy’s main alpha sources. Despite geopolitical tensions and economic concerns, market sentiment remains resilient, with short-lived volatility spikes and credit spreads rallying in recent weeks. Against this backdrop, he highlights why his highest conviction forex position is a short US dollar against a basket of emerging market currencies.

Mike Riddell, portfolio manager of Fidelity Strategic Bond Fund

22 July 2025 • 5 min read