A typically steady investment is facing serious volatility : The Indicator from Planet Money U.S. government bonds have long been seen as a steady, reliable place for investors. So why has this safe 'merry-go-round' option turned into a rickety roller coaster ride? We step into the financial markets theme park to explain.

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What the "bonkers" bond market means for you

What the "bonkers" bond market means for you

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VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: In this aerial view from a drone, rides sit idle at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom on April 15, 2020 in Vallejo, California. Amusement parks in California have been temporarily closed as the state's residents are under a shelter-in-place order in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: In this aerial view from a drone, rides sit idle at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom on April 15, 2020 in Vallejo, California. Amusement parks in California have been temporarily closed as the state's residents are under a shelter-in-place order in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Welcome to the Financial Markets Theme Park! That ride with the 250-foot drop over there is the stock market. The one with all the twists and turns and loop-the-loops? Those are junk bonds. And that little train that goes around the park? That's the U.S. bond market. Well, until recently.

That slow-plodding train has turned into a rickety roller coaster ride for investors. We head to the theme park to explain.

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For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.