In the U.S. you can buy TIPS--Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities--if you're worried about inflation. So many people are jumping into them, though, that the rates are horrible...

Millions of Americans are rushing into these securities to protect against rising prices. But this stampede has sent yields plunging to record lows. Today these bonds offer a poor long-term bet. TIPS, issued by Uncle Sam, are safe from default and guarantee a certain annual yield above the official inflation rate. So if inflation rises, the yield rises in lockstep.

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