2017: A year not for the faint-hearted bond investor

Expect heightened volatility

Chris Chapman, global multi-sector fixed income analyst at Manulife, on why monetary policy and political uncertainty will lead to a volatile year.

In a calendar year filled with elections in Europe, events dealing with the outcomes of referendums, and potential US interest rate hikes, everything points towards heightened volatility in 2017. From here it is easier to see the risks, with politics looming large. Clarity on Donald Trump"s policy direction will likely remain elusive for a while and it could be some time before the impact of any proposed policies are seen, particularly in terms of fiscal spending plans. In Europe, at least three key elections could reshape the political landscape and the future of the eurozone: the Ne...