2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-12-15 12:56Core Viewpoint - The insurance industry is facing significant challenges due to a prolonged low interest rate environment, which affects both asset management and liability costs, leading to a structural transformation necessity [1][3]. Group 1: Current Economic Environment - The yield on China's 10-year government bonds has dropped to a historical low of 1.7% to 1.9%, indicating a potential long-term downward trend [1]. - The insurance business's nature results in a rigid liability cost structure, particularly with long-term policies locking in predetermined rates, creating a conflict between declining asset yields and fixed liability costs [3]. Group 2: Traditional Investment Strategies - Traditional "fixed income plus" strategies, which previously provided stable spreads, are becoming ineffective in the current low-rate environment [3]. - The supply of high-quality non-standard assets, such as infrastructure debt plans, is rapidly shrinking, leading to an "asset scarcity" phenomenon [4]. Group 3: Need for Structural Change - The industry consensus is that superficial adjustments are insufficient; a comprehensive overhaul of asset-liability management is required [4]. - A return to the core principles of insurance management—safety, profitability, and liquidity—is essential, with a focus on matching yield costs, duration structure, and liquidity [5]. Group 4: Changes in Fixed Income Asset Allocation - China Pacific Insurance has increased its allocation to long-term government bonds from 12.5% to 46.2% over the past eight years [6]. - There is a need for a balanced approach to duration management, as excessively pursuing a zero duration gap could increase asset pressure during market rebounds [6]. Group 5: Alternative and Equity Investments - The insurance asset management sector is increasingly incorporating alternative and equity assets to enhance long-term returns and mitigate inflation impacts [9]. - In the first three quarters of this year, the primary market for new fund raising reached 1.16 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8% [10]. Group 6: Global Investment Strategies - Global asset allocation is deemed essential, with a focus on building teams and managing foreign exchange risks effectively [12][13]. - The insurance industry must develop capabilities in foreign exchange risk management to succeed in overseas investments [14].