Fixed income is reclaiming its role as a portfolio stabilizer now that interest rates have returned to historical norms. Kevin Flanagan explains why investors should consider a barbell strategy using USFR as a passive cornerstone and AGGY for a reweighted approach to the traditional aggregate index. Despite labor market and deficit concerns, Kevin remains focused on moderate growth rather than a recession while suggesting a more active approach to sector allocation. He concludes that upcoming labor data and the unemployment rate remain the primary signals for the health of the U.S. economy.