Mindy Gudmundson, Institutional Portfolio Manager on RBC GAM's BlueBay U.S. Fixed Income team, explores how the longest-ever government shutdown has led to a data backlog, intensifying bond market volatility and uncertainty surrounding December’s FOMC rate decision.

• The 43-day government shutdown delayed critical economic data releases, distorting analysis and increasing market volatility as investors navigate incomplete information.
• U.S. Treasury yields experienced sharp movements, closing above 4.05%, as markets priced in a potential Federal Reserve rate cut in December.
• Investor tensions remain elevated amid rate-cut speculation, stock-market instability, and persistent macroeconomic ambiguity, driving interest in fixed-income securities.