Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the misconceptions surrounding government bond funds, emphasizing that they are not risk-free despite being perceived as safe assets due to government backing [1][3]. Group 1: Understanding Government Bond Funds - Government bond funds are specifically designed to invest in government bonds, which are backed by the credit of the state, theoretically presenting a low risk of default [1]. - In 2022, China's government bond issuance exceeded 7 trillion yuan, with a significant portion entering the market through funds, highlighting their role as a stabilizing asset in investment portfolios [1]. Group 2: Risks Associated with Government Bond Funds - **Interest Rate Risk**: The relationship between bond prices and interest rates is crucial; when market interest rates rise, existing bonds lose value, as seen in the 12% average decline of U.S. government bond funds in 2022 due to consecutive rate hikes by the Federal Reserve [3][5]. - **Liquidity Risk**: Government bond funds can be open-ended or closed-ended. Open-ended funds may face forced selling during large redemptions, impacting remaining investors, while closed-ended funds may trade at a discount to net asset value, posing additional risks [6]. - **Inflation Risk**: If a government bond fund yields 3% but inflation is at 4%, the real purchasing power decreases, which can lead to significant losses over long-term investments [7][9]. Group 3: Misconceptions and Investment Strategy - The notion of "zero risk" is misleading; while government bond funds are safer than other investment vehicles, they still carry unique risks that differ from stocks or P2P lending [9]. - Investors should be cautious of funds that use leverage or invest in lower-rated corporate bonds to enhance returns, as these strategies can lead to substantial losses during market downturns [9].