货币基金迎来“破1”时代！稳健投资者还有哪些备选项?

Core Insights - The yield of money market funds has been on a downward trend, with over 80 funds having a seven-day annualized yield below 1% as of October 16 [1][2] - Despite the declining yields, the total scale of money market funds in China has increased significantly, reaching approximately 14.81 trillion yuan by the end of August, up from 13.61 trillion yuan at the end of last year [3][6] - The market is witnessing a paradox where the yield of money market funds is decreasing while their scale continues to grow, reflecting a shift in investor behavior towards stable returns amid low-risk preferences [6][11] Money Market Fund Performance - Recent fee reductions by several fund companies have not significantly improved the attractiveness of money market funds, as yields remain low [1] - Only 17 out of 960 money market ETFs have yielded over 1% year-to-date, indicating a challenging environment for these products [2][6] - The average seven-day annualized yield for money market funds has dropped to levels that are even lower than traditional bank deposit products [1][2] Investor Behavior and Market Trends - The current environment of low interest rates has led to an "asset shortage," causing conservative investors to seek stable investment options [6][11] - The demand for liquidity has increased among residents, while their risk appetite remains low, making money market funds a preferred choice for many [6] - The volatility in the equity market has also contributed to a temporary shift of funds into money market products as investors await more stable investment opportunities [6] Alternative Investment Options - Short-term bond funds have emerged as a viable alternative, offering higher yields (2.8%-3.2%) and better liquidity compared to money market funds [7][9] - Dividend-paying assets are gaining popularity, with the "dividend index" showing stable returns and low volatility, making it an attractive option for conservative investors [11][12] - The performance of short-term bond funds has been consistent, with many achieving positive annual returns over the past 19 years [7][9]