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That doesn't have to be a bad thing, according to Luke Hickmore, a senior investment in fixed income at the $483.3 billion Aberdeen Asset Management.
He told Business Insider that investors should "look to the opportunity rather than just watching the screens."
Those, he said, could look "messy" for a while.
Hickmore said we're going to have to get used to the market volatility, as investors try to gauge when the Federal Reserve will finally raise interest rates. That volatility throws up opportunities, however
"For us this is great," he said. "If you're investing medium- to long-term, you want the chance to buy the things you like at the price where you want to pay for them."
He explained that the extended period of low volatility meant assets moved in lockstep. One bond would trade much like another, regardless of the fundamental quality of the company that issued it. In a new environment, that could all change - and it means more choice for investors.
"Things blow up on you and things get wider and choices come along that you didn't have before," Hickmore said.
His advice for investors?
"Use these times, plan what you want to do, think about where the quality is - where the value is - and wait for the time to get in, because volatile markets just give you the chance to do that."