U.S. bond mutual funds saw $18 billion in net inflows for the week ended October 5, the largest weekly gain since June, according to EPFR Global. The surge reflects a shift toward safer assets as investors navigated heightened market volatility and uncertainty. Analysts noted that demand was driven by risk-averse strategies, with allocations favoring government and high-quality corporate bonds. The trend underscores growing caution among both retail and institutional investors, highlighting a flight-to-safety approach amid fluctuating equity markets and macroeconomic concerns.