New York Times columnist, Ron Lieber, examines the hidden dangers lurking below the surface of an asset most investors view as being safe.

Q: With the recent news that one of the world’s highest-profile bond managers eliminated his fund’s exposure to U.S. Treasury bonds, should we be selling our Treasuries, too? Do other types of bonds now offer better return opportunities?

After accurately predicting the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, Robert Rodriguez and Peter Schiff quickly came to be viewed as investment gurus who could provide shelter from the storm. Investors eagerly followed their advice in anticipation of the fortunes certain to follow. How did they fare?

With enormous resources at their disposal, institutional investors—the so-called “smart money”—should have an advantage in identifying tomorrow’s winning fund managers…but do they?

Q: Recent headlines have fueled worries about imminent increases in interest rates, the growing threat of inflation, and the likely negative impact for bond investors. Should we get out of bonds before rates rise?