economist steve ricchiutto says it is due to president obama's agreement to extend the bush tax cuts. >> unfortunately, what we are getting out of this proposal from both the administration and the republican side is more of the same: let's go out and spend money. nothing is done in here to address the long term budget problems. >> reporter: many americans invest in bonds through mutual funds. so far this year, more than $267 billion has poured into those funds on top of a record amount last year. the question for small investors is whether the party in bonds is over. is it better to ride out the volatility or take the money and run? >> you bail. you really just get out. there is no way for a retail investor to properly hedge himself in this environment. >> reporter: but others say bond prices are at low enough levels that they are looking more attractive. >> i think we're starting to get into that value proposition, where rates are high enough that people might get interested again. its the end of the year, we just a had a pretty big turbulent move and people want to see where we sta