Group 1 - The article discusses the performance of small-cap stocks in the Chinese A-share market, specifically through the lens of the CSI 2000 ETF, which tracks the CSI 2000 Index composed of 2000 smaller, liquid stocks outside the CSI 1000 Index [4] - The CSI 2000 Index provides comprehensive coverage of 11 primary sectors in the Chinese market, focusing on the overall performance of small and micro-cap stocks [4] - The article also highlights the performance of the Sci-Tech 100 ETF, which tracks the Shanghai Stock Exchange Sci-Tech 100 Index, consisting of 100 medium-sized, liquid stocks from the Sci-Tech board, with over 80% of its composition in the electronics, biopharmaceutical, and power equipment sectors [4]

Core Viewpoint - The issuance of technology innovation bonds (referred to as "Sci-Tech Bonds") has seen a significant increase since the policy was implemented in May, with a total issuance exceeding 620 billion yuan by early July, primarily driven by state-owned enterprises [1][2]. Group 1: Issuance Overview - As of July 3, a total of 419 Sci-Tech Bonds have been issued, with a total issuance scale surpassing 620 billion yuan [1]. - Central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and local SOEs are the main issuers, accounting for 49.90% and 36.18% of the total issuance, respectively [1]. - The average rating of issuers has remained high, with 74.70% of the bonds rated AAA since May 7 [1]. Group 2: Industry Participation - Banks have emerged as the primary issuers of Sci-Tech Bonds, with 23 banks issuing a total of 224.1 billion yuan [1]. - Notable issuers include China Construction Bank with 30 billion yuan, and several other major banks each issuing 20 billion yuan [1]. Group 3: Expansion to Smaller Banks - In June, smaller banks such as Chongqing Bank and Nanjing Bank began participating in the issuance of Sci-Tech Bonds [2]. - Various private equity investment institutions have also started issuing Sci-Tech Bonds, supported by recent credit enhancement measures [2]. Group 4: Interest Rates and Comparisons - The issuance rates for many Sci-Tech Bonds have reached historical lows for the issuers, benefiting from a low-interest-rate environment and policy support [2]. - AAA-rated Sci-Tech Bonds have a weighted average issuance rate significantly lower than that of non-Sci-Tech bonds of the same rating, with differences ranging from 2 to 47 basis points across various issuer types [2]. Group 5: Market Support for SMEs - The Sci-Tech Bond market indirectly supports small and medium-sized technology enterprises through funding from financial institutions and large SOEs [3]. - The long-term health of the bond market will require a more diversified range of issuers and enhanced credit accessibility for lower-rated entities [3].