It’s time for a market reality check! Recent tremors in the bond market have left many scratching their heads, but Wharton’s own Jeremy Siegel has a theory that might just explain the turmoil we’re seeing in Treasury yields.

Siegel recently unveiled a fresh perspective on the ongoing bond market saga. According to him, the crux of the bond market’s turbulence is its not-so-stellar performance as an inflation hedge. As we’ve seen, Treasury yields (those tricky little things that move in the opposite direction to prices) have been on a veritable rollercoaster. Experts are chalking this up to various factors including a robust US economy hinting at prolonged tightening, waning enthusiasm from international Treasury investors, and the looming shadow of significant federal deficits.

Yet, Siegel is spotlighting an underappreciated cause: the collective amnesia about bonds’ poor track record against inflation. “Bonds are the superheroes when geopolitical risks or financial crises knock on our doors, but they’re not exactly friends with inflation,” he explained. And it makes sense; inflation had been a distant memory for four decades, leading many to overlook this critical bond-inflation dynamic.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic turned the tables, reigniting inflation and triggering a mass exodus from Treasurys, pushing yields uncomfortably close to the 5% mark. The real concern? If inflation decides to stick around, those cozy long-duration bond returns will start to look pretty lean.

Siegel emphasizes an important shift here: as inflation rears its head, Treasurys are losing their star status as the go-to buffer against stock market risks. Here’s where equity enters the chat — stocks have historically strutted their stuff in the face of inflation. “Looking at the long game — a decade or even a 20-year retirement plan? Stocks have this uncanny knack for thriving amidst inflation, talent bonds simply don’t possess,” Siegel elaborated.

Despite predicting a cooldown in inflation, Siegel isn’t dismissing a comeback, especially with burgeoning federal deficits in the mix. But it’s not all doom and gloom! Should the economy nose-dive into recession territory, it could be a golden ticket for investors to snatch up undervalued stocks. “History doesn’t lie: stocks tend to take a harder hit during recessions than they ought to, turning those moments into goldmines for savvy investors,” noted Siegel.

Of course, there’s a spectrum of opinions out there. Investment guru Howard Marks, the brain behind Oaktree Capital, has been singing a different tune, urging investors to keep bonds as their portfolio’s main course, arguing they can dish out returns on par with equities.

Whether you’re Team Siegel or Team Marks, one thing’s for sure: in the finance world, staying adaptable and informed is the name of the game. So, investors and entrepreneurs, keep those analytical hats on and your eyes peeled; the next market shift is always just around the corner!