Group 1 - The number of newly established index-enhanced funds has reached 76 this year, surpassing the total for the previous year, indicating a growing trend in index-based investment [1] - The increase in public funds' interest in index-enhanced funds is attributed to three main reasons: disillusionment with star fund managers, attractive new indices launched by index companies, and regulatory encouragement for index-based investments [1][2] - Leading fund sales platforms are focusing on index-enhanced funds due to their potential to outperform benchmark indices, reflecting a shift towards mainstream index-based investment strategies [1][2] Group 2 - Small-cap index-enhanced funds have shown impressive performance this year, with indices like the CSI 1000 and CSI 2000 outperforming large-cap indices such as the CSI 300, making it easier to achieve excess returns [2] - Excess returns from index-enhanced funds primarily come from stock selection models that overweight and underweight index constituents, as well as capturing short-term market styles [2] - Challenges for index-enhanced funds include strategy crowding due to the expansion of these products and frequent market style shifts, which may dilute excess returns [2] Group 3 - Current investment opportunities are seen in the Hang Seng Tech Index, Dividend Index, and the Sci-Tech Innovation Board Composite Index, as Chinese assets are perceived to be undervalued compared to global markets [3] - The Hang Seng Tech Index includes core assets from China's technology and internet sectors, which are significantly undervalued compared to the Nasdaq Index, presenting a potential for substantial gains upon valuation re-rating [3] - The Dividend Index has shown strong long-term performance with an annualized return of around 14% since 2014, benefiting from the current low-interest-rate environment [3] - Investment in the Sci-Tech Innovation Board Composite Index is considered valuable due to its broad coverage and representation in the technology sector, which is expected to be a key investment theme in the coming years [3]

Core Viewpoint - The core competency of value investors often lies in patience, particularly the patience to refrain from making impulsive decisions [18][19]. Group 1: Performance and Strategy - The performance of the managed products has been relatively stable, with several funds outperforming the market despite a lackluster overall performance in 2023 [2][3]. - The top holdings remain consistent, primarily in traditional sectors such as banking, chemicals, construction, and real estate, with a significant portion of the portfolio allocated to these industries [2][3]. - The long-term annualized return of the flagship product managed since December 2018 exceeds 16% [4]. Group 2: Investment Philosophy - The source of excess returns is attributed to a combination of establishing a forward-looking advantage in information, deeper analysis, and different perspectives [8]. - The investment approach emphasizes acquiring high-quality assets at low prices, which is more feasible when the majority do not share the same valuation standards [5][6]. - The belief that good stocks and returns are achieved through endurance and patience is a recurring theme [20]. Group 3: Market Insights - The current market environment has seen prolonged low performance in cyclical industries, which has exceeded most investors' expectations [10]. - The concept of "this time is different" is highlighted as a cautionary note, indicating that prolonged low performance can delay cash returns and diminish value over time [11]. - The outlook for the real estate sector suggests that risks may not be fully cleared, with a preference for a cautious approach until 2025 [13]. Group 4: Sector Analysis - In the banking sector, while the long-term contraction of interest margins is not yet over, the current pricing remains acceptable based on long-term perspectives [14][15]. - The construction industry has shown signs of cash flow improvement, aligning with expectations, which reduces concerns [15]. - The chemical sector faces challenges with many companies operating at a loss, yet some are still managing to generate profits through cost-cutting measures [15]. Group 5: Emerging Trends - The development of AI is viewed as an irreversible trend, although its immediate impact may be overestimated [16]. - The investment strategy involves a cautious approach to emerging sectors, emphasizing the need for thorough research and understanding of price dynamics [22].

Core Viewpoint - The discussion emphasizes the balance between idealism and realism in investment management, highlighting that achieving ideal outcomes requires addressing real-world challenges [4][5][6]. Group 1: Investment Philosophy - The investment philosophy is rooted in value investing, aiming to help more people achieve financial success through this approach [7]. - The gap between ideal and reality is acknowledged, with the understanding that while ideals may be distant, practical solutions must be found to bridge this gap [5][6]. - The focus is on making ideals a reality rather than allowing them to remain unattainable [6]. Group 2: Performance Evaluation - Performance evaluation is not solely based on quantitative metrics like net asset value growth but also includes client experience and satisfaction [7][10]. - The goal is to increase the proportion of clients who earn money, with ongoing exploration of what constitutes "doing well" in investment management [7][10]. - The anxiety regarding future performance and client trust is acknowledged, emphasizing the need for consistent results to build and maintain trust [9][10]. Group 3: Market Perspective - The discussion includes insights on the banking sector, particularly regarding interest margins, which have been narrowing but may experience short-term recovery due to recent changes in deposit interest rates [31][32]. - The investment strategy for banking stocks is based on a long-term perspective rather than short-term trends, with a focus on acceptable pricing despite ongoing challenges [32][33]. Group 4: Decision-Making Process - The decision-making process for investments is described as an intersection of price and understanding, where both elements must align for a purchase to be justified [26][28]. - The importance of thorough research and understanding of market conditions is emphasized, particularly in relation to emerging sectors like new consumption and innovative pharmaceuticals [26][28]. Group 5: Strategy and Individuality - Investment strategies are not ranked as better or worse; rather, their effectiveness depends on the individual investor's characteristics and goals [17][18]. - The alignment between a fund manager's strategy and their personal attributes is crucial for achieving successful outcomes [19][20].

Core Viewpoint - The essence of successful investing lies in identifying companies with sustainable growth and ensuring that borrowed funds are lent to those capable of repayment [3][53]. Group 1: Investment Philosophy - Howard Marks emphasizes that outstanding investors remain emotionally stable and are not swayed by market noise [4][33]. - He highlights the difficulty of investing, stating that if emotions drive decisions, it becomes even harder to succeed [5][72]. - The current market environment is characterized by high valuations, with the S&P 500's expected P/E ratio around 22, above the historical average of 16 [7][10]. Group 2: Market Conditions - Marks categorizes market states into three: expensive, cheap, and reasonable, suggesting that if valuations are merely reasonable, no action is typically warranted [11][12]. - He warns against excessive trading and emphasizes the importance of staying invested over time rather than attempting to time the market [13][42]. Group 3: Emotional Stability - Successful investors share a common trait of emotional stability, which allows them to make rational decisions during market extremes [33][72]. - Marks advises that the best buying opportunities often arise during economic downturns when fear prevails, yet most investors are reluctant to buy at such times [27][30]. Group 4: Long-term Perspective - Marks argues for a longer investment horizon, suggesting that many investors would benefit from extending their holding periods to ride out market fluctuations [35][42]. - He believes that the key to investment success is to focus on fundamental analysis rather than short-term market movements [51][52]. Group 5: Risk Management - Understanding and accepting risk is crucial for achieving higher returns, as higher potential returns come with increased uncertainty [72][78]. - Marks stresses that risk should be assessed based on thorough understanding and judgment, rather than blind speculation [80][87]. Group 6: Identifying Opportunities - True excess returns are unlikely to come from obvious opportunities; instead, investors should seek undervalued or overlooked assets [91][92]. - Marks emphasizes the importance of independent thinking and the ability to identify when the market consensus is incorrect [98][101].

Core Viewpoint - The rapid growth of index-enhanced funds in China is driven by policy support, increased investor demand, and the unique advantages of these funds, with a significant rise in the number of new products and total fundraising amounts in 2023 [1][3]. Group 1: Growth of Index-Enhanced Funds - As of June 15, 2023, 70 new index-enhanced funds were established, marking a year-on-year increase of approximately 438%, with total fundraising exceeding 35.8 billion yuan [1][2]. - The number of index-enhanced funds established in 2023 is the highest in recent years, surpassing previous years' totals [2]. Group 2: Factors Driving Growth - Multiple factors contribute to the rapid development of index-enhanced funds, including policy guidance, regulatory mechanisms, and a structural shift in investor demand towards transparent and excess return products [3]. - Index-enhanced funds are positioned between passive index funds and traditional active funds, with a focus on achieving stable excess returns [3]. Group 3: Market Composition and Trends - There are currently 366 index-enhanced funds in the market, with over 60% focusing on broad-based indices such as the CSI 500 and CSI A500 [3][4]. - The CSI A500 index has seen a significant increase in the number of index-enhanced funds, with 38 out of the 70 new funds established in 2023 being CSI A500 index-enhanced funds [3]. Group 4: Investment Strategies and Future Outlook - Fund managers are increasingly adopting quantitative strategies to achieve stable excess returns, which is seen as a key path for both large and small public fund institutions [5]. - The future of index-enhanced funds is expected to become a crucial business segment for public fund institutions, potentially becoming a decisive factor in their core competitiveness [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - Value investing is applicable in the A-share market, as long as there are transparent prices and assessable values for assets [1][2]. Group 1: Concerns about Value Investing - The anxiety surrounding the application of value investing stems from concerns about its ability to outperform the market and whether investors will trust active management again [2][3]. - It is a misconception that all investors can achieve excess returns; the total returns of all investors equal the market returns minus transaction costs [2]. - The rise of index funds is a result of diminishing excess returns rather than the disappearance of excess returns [2]. Group 2: Opportunities for Excess Returns - The ability to achieve excess returns is influenced by the similarity of investment strategies among investors and the differences in their investment capabilities [3]. - A-share market still presents opportunities for excess returns, as not all investors have the same capabilities [3]. Group 3: Building Trust with Investors - Gaining trust from investors is more challenging than outperforming the market; communication during downturns is crucial [4]. - The key to regaining trust lies in aligning the returns of investors with the net asset value of the fund [3][4]. Group 4: Managing Volatility - Many investors lack the patience for long-term holding and tend to trade too frequently, which harms their returns [5]. - Research indicates that funds with lower volatility tend to have better performance and lower chances of loss for investors [5]. - The challenge is to find ways to reduce volatility without sacrificing returns, which varies for each fund manager [5]. Group 5: Realism in Investment Strategy - Fund managers often exhibit idealistic views that may not align with reality, leading to flawed logic in their investment narratives [6]. - A balanced approach that combines realistic methods with idealistic goals is essential for successful value investing [7].

再三被问到这个问题时，才发现这背后不是对价值投资本身的质疑，而是对它在资产管理行业中应用前景 的焦虑，包括对价值投资还能否战胜市场的焦虑，还有对持有人能否再次相信主动管理的焦虑。这样的焦 虑事出有因，应该认真对待。 最近的交流中，我被问到最多的问题是：价值投资在A股适不适用？问题让人意外，因为答案是显而易见 的——适用。只要有透明的价格和价值可以被评估的资产，价值投资就适用，它不局限于股市，更不存在 A股例外论。至于什么样的资产是好资产，什么样的价格是好价格，可以仁者见仁智者见智。 对超额收益的担忧或许是多虑，几个常被忽略的事实给予我们信心：一是所有投资者作为一个整体不会有 超额收益，所有人的总收益等于市场总收益减去交易成本；二是总有人能够获得超额收益，这不取决于他 们做的是哪种投资，而取决于他们做得如何；三是指数基金大发展其实是超额收益衰减的结果，而不是超 额收益消失的原因。指数是基准，不是对手，主动投资者不会把钱输给"指数"，只会输给其他主动投资 者。主动投资者是一体的两面，一个人没法通过左脚踩右脚登天，也无法通过敲自己的头把自己钉到地 里。 有多少人能够获得超额收益以及能够获得多少超额收益，跟投资者投资 ...

Core Viewpoint - Value investing is applicable in the A-share market, as long as there are transparent prices and assessable values for assets, and it is not limited to the stock market or specific to A-shares [2] Group 1: Concerns about Excess Returns - There is anxiety regarding the future application of value investing in asset management, including whether it can outperform the market and whether investors can trust active management again [2] - The concern about excess returns may be overblown, as it is a fact that all investors as a whole cannot achieve excess returns; total returns equal market returns minus transaction costs [2] - There will always be individuals who can achieve excess returns, which depends on their execution rather than the type of investment they make [2] Group 2: Active Management and Investor Trust - The challenge lies not only in whether fund managers can outperform the market but also in regaining investors' trust in active management [3] - Trust is asymmetric; while fund managers may remain calm during market downturns, investors often struggle to maintain composure [3][4] - The key to regaining trust in the fund industry is to align the returns of investors with the net asset value of the funds [4] Group 3: Communication and Performance - It is relatively easier for fund managers to outperform the market over a market cycle, but consistently doing so each year is challenging [6] - Effective communication during underperformance is crucial, as it is more beneficial than boasting during high-performance periods [6] - The approach of "accompanying" investors to foster long-term trust is one method being employed [6] Group 4: Volatility and Returns - Research indicates that funds with lower volatility tend to have better performance and lower chances of investor losses [7] - The relationship between short-term volatility and long-term returns in the A-share market suggests that reducing volatility does not necessarily lead to lower returns [7] - The real challenge is finding methods to reduce volatility without sacrificing returns, which varies for each fund manager [7] Group 5: Realism in Investment Strategy - Fund managers often exhibit idealistic views that can be challenged by reality, leading to errors in logic and assumptions [8] - A balanced approach that combines realism with idealism is necessary to achieve the goal of value investing and helping more people profit from it [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the differences and advantages of Index ETFs and Index Enhanced products, likening them to "autonomous driving cars" and "experienced drivers" respectively, emphasizing their distinct investment strategies and suitability for different types of investors [1][2]. Group 1: Index ETFs - Index ETFs aim to replicate the performance of a specific index by tracking its constituent stocks and weights, similar to an autonomous vehicle following a set route [3]. - Key advantages of Index ETFs include low fees, transparent holdings, and flexible trading, making them suitable for investors seeking a hassle-free investment approach [3]. Group 2: Index Enhanced Products - Index Enhanced products build on the foundation of tracking an index by identifying stocks with relative advantages, aiming to generate excess returns (Alpha) on top of the market returns (Beta) [4]. - The essence of Index Enhanced products is compared to an experienced driver who optimizes the route based on real-time conditions, allowing for potential outperformance [4]. Group 3: On-Site vs. Off-Site Funds - On-site funds are traded on stock exchanges and require a securities account, offering real-time trading similar to stocks, while off-site funds are purchased through third-party platforms without the need for a securities account [5][6]. - The cost structure differs, with on-site funds typically having lower transaction costs (usually ≤0.3%) compared to off-site funds, which have higher overall fees [6]. - On-site funds are suitable for short-term operations or arbitrage, while off-site funds cater to long-term holding or systematic investment plans [6]. Group 4: Public vs. Private Index Enhanced Funds - Public index enhanced funds have high transparency with full disclosure of holdings and net asset values, while private funds have lower transparency with limited disclosure [8]. - The flexibility in strategy is greater for private funds, allowing for high-frequency trading, short selling, and leverage, whereas public funds are more restricted [8]. - The sources of excess returns differ, with public funds relying on fundamental stock selection and private funds utilizing multiple strategies including quantitative models and arbitrage [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the competitive landscape of public funds in China, particularly focusing on the introduction of floating fee rate funds and the challenges faced by actively managed equity funds in outperforming benchmarks [1][2][16]. Group 1: Floating Fee Rate Funds - The first batch of 26 floating fee rate funds was quickly approved and reached a fundraising cap of 20 billion within a short period, indicating strong market interest [1]. - The fee structure of these funds is asymmetric, where higher management fees are charged when performance exceeds benchmarks, while lower fees apply when performance lags, aiming to align the interests of fund managers and investors [2][24]. - Despite the innovative fee structure, the average management fee for actively managed equity funds remains at 1.2%, as many investors do not hold funds for more than a year, limiting the potential for higher fees [5][29]. Group 2: Performance Challenges - A significant portion of investors (41%) hold funds for less than a year, which complicates the ability of fund managers to achieve the performance needed to charge higher fees [4][5]. - In the past year, only 24% of actively managed equity funds outperformed their benchmarks by 6 percentage points, highlighting the difficulty in consistently achieving superior returns [7][11]. - Over the past three years, only 259 actively managed equity funds have exceeded benchmark returns by 6%, while 2004 funds have underperformed by 3% or more, indicating a challenging environment for fund managers [11][14]. Group 3: Regulatory Context - The introduction of floating fee rate funds is part of a regulatory push to reduce the risk of significant underperformance relative to benchmarks, rather than merely to increase management fees [16][22]. - The regulatory framework aims to strengthen the binding nature of performance benchmarks and reduce the prevalence of style drift among fund managers, ensuring that funds are more aligned with their stated objectives [21][22]. Group 4: Market Sentiment and Historical Context - The market sentiment towards floating fee rate funds is cautious, as previous attempts to implement similar structures faced challenges and regulatory scrutiny [27][28]. - The article notes that while there is renewed interest in floating fee rate funds, they have not yet reached the marketing heights seen with other fund types, such as the A500 index funds [27][28].