Ready to demystify the uncertainty shrouding the current state of the junk bond market? Let's shed some light on how the Federal Reserve's decisions are impacting the economy and what this spells out for companies with shaky finances.Also, we explore the intricacies of government bonds and the possibilities of another surge in interest rates. With the Federal Reserve easing up on its bond buying, we navigate the repercussions of the U.S. debt on non-defense spending and the challenges of federal budget management. Now, having a diversified bond portfolio is more crucial than ever.Subscribe to podcast updatesAsk Ric | Ric's Books-----Links from today's show:Congressional Budget Office: Estimates of the Cost of Federal Credit Programs in 2024PIMCOInvescoFranklin TempletonGlobal X ETFsSchwabFidelityBlackRock's iSharesSelf-Care with Jean EdelmanFollow Ric on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X (formerly Twitter) | YouTubeBrought to you by:Global X ETFsInvesco QQQPrisidioSchwabDisclosure page-----