Most investors do not watch government bond rates as closely as share prices, but the global bond market is about double the size of all listed shares. The Australian Government 10-year bond rate is now 1.97%, while the 30-year rate in the US is 2.21% and Japan is 0.13%. Swiss and German bond rates are negative. Normally, such low levels would signal tough times ahead, but the US S&P500 reached an all-time high this week. It’s little wonder investors are confused.