Real rates explain more market behavior than nominal yields when the inflation regime is unstable. Three quick checks before you act: 1. Name the mechanism in plain English: Nominal yields mix two stories together: the compensation for time and the compensation for inflation uncertainty. Real rates pull those apart. 2. Say why it matters for behavior or portfolio decisions: That separation is why growth assets can struggle even when headline inflation is falling: the discount rate that matters may still be climbing. 3. Set the review question: On the next portfolio review, separate what feels urgent from what is structurally important. In practice: When real yields rise while long-duration equity narratives stay optimistic, valuation pressure usually arrives before sentiment accepts it. Watch for: A common shortcut is saying "rates up, stocks down" without asking which part of the rate move is actually doing the damage. A lot of confusion disappears once you separate the headline from the mechanism.