Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the importance of performance benchmarks for fund managers, comparing them to a passing score in an exam, and emphasizes the need for accurate and reasonable benchmarks to evaluate fund performance [5][9][14]. Group 1: Performance Benchmarks - Fund managers have a performance benchmark, akin to a passing score in exams, which they strive to exceed [5][9]. - The benchmark is determined by the fund company and can sometimes be set lower to make it easier for managers to achieve [11][12]. - New regulations require that benchmarks must be accurately chosen to reflect the fund's characteristics, including market distribution and industry [14][17]. Group 2: Types of Funds and Benchmarks - Equity funds typically use the CSI 300 Index as their benchmark, which covers the largest 300 companies in the A-share market, representing nearly 60% of the market's total capitalization [21][22]. - Bond funds often use the China Bond Composite Index, which encompasses various core bond types, reflecting the overall performance of the Chinese bond market [24]. - Mixed funds have a more complex benchmark, combining stock and bond indices based on their asset allocation [27]. Group 3: Importance of Benchmarks for Investors - Benchmarks help investors assess the true performance of a fund by providing a standard for comparison [29]. - For instance, if a healthcare fund rises by 10% but the benchmark rises by 17%, the fund's performance is relatively poor [31]. - Investors can use a composite benchmark to evaluate the overall performance of multiple funds in their portfolio [36][38].