Core Viewpoint - The passive bond investment sector has experienced significant growth since 2024, with the number of passive bond funds increasing from 253 at the end of 2023 to 348, and the total scale rising from 704.2 billion to 1,509.9 billion by mid-2025, capturing 20% of the public open-end bond fund market [1][2]. Group 1: Reasons for the Surge in Passive Bond Investment - The changing interest rate environment has made it increasingly difficult for active bond investments to achieve excess returns, leading to a growing preference for passive investment products like bond ETFs that track market indices [5]. - The characteristics of passive investment products, such as high transparency, lower fees, and T+0 trading mechanisms, have contributed to their appeal and growth [6]. - Regulatory support has played a crucial role in fostering the development of the bond ETF market through various policy measures [6]. - Fund companies have actively innovated by launching new bond ETF products, enhancing market choices and catering to diverse investor needs [7]. Group 2: Current Status and Challenges - Despite rapid growth, China's passive bond investment market is still in its early stages compared to the mature U.S. market, where passive bond funds account for approximately 40% of the bond fund market [9]. - The types of bond funds in China are relatively limited, with a clear distinction in the adoption of passive strategies across different fund types [9]. Group 3: Passive Strategies in Different Bond Fund Types - In the realm of interest rate and short-term bond funds, passive strategies are prevalent, with adoption rates of 49% and 37% respectively, primarily through index funds [11]. - The passive strategy in convertible bond funds is represented by only two ETFs, which together account for 42% of the total convertible bond fund market [14]. - The adoption of passive strategies in credit bond and pure bond funds remains low, with less than 20% and 2% respectively, due to the complexities and costs associated with index replication [16]. Group 4: Investment Considerations for Investors - Investors must weigh the low-cost advantages of passive funds against the potential for excess returns from active fund managers, especially in the credit bond sector where market liquidity is limited [21]. - In high-liquidity and high-quality asset areas like interest rate bond funds, passive investment may prove effective, although active management can still add value through duration management [21].