Core Viewpoint - The recent phenomenon of "big players closing funds" in China's investment circle reflects a complex market sentiment, highlighting the need for investors to reassess risk, evaluate opportunities, and maintain rationality in uncertain times [2][4]. Group 1: Market Reactions - On October 29, Ningquan Asset announced a suspension of new subscriptions for its products, followed by Ruiyuan Fund's similar announcement two days later, indicating a trend among prominent fund managers to exercise restraint [2]. - This trend has sparked speculation regarding its implications for market liquidity and valuation levels, as well as the managers' self-awareness regarding their strategies and cognitive boundaries [3]. Group 2: Decision-Making Framework - Howard Marks, co-founder of Oaktree Capital, emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own risk tolerance and willingness, categorizing investors into four types based on their financial capacity and risk appetite [5][6]. - Rational investors align their risk exposure with their circumstances, focusing on achieving their own goals rather than merely outperforming peers [8][9]. Group 3: Investment Objectives - The board members of the pension fund prioritize fulfilling pension payment commitments over short-term performance rankings, demonstrating a long-term focus on stability rather than relative performance [6][44]. - Marks argues that true success in investment is not about outperforming others but ensuring the ability to meet obligations, particularly in the context of pension funds [46][50]. Group 4: Risk Assessment - The discussion highlights that risk should not be equated with price volatility but rather with the probability of permanent loss, urging investors to differentiate between the two [8][60]. - The board's preference for normal market fluctuations over reliance on opaque strategies for excess returns indicates a mature understanding of risk management [38][41]. Group 5: Performance Evaluation - The pension fund board values achieving actuarial return assumptions as the primary performance metric, with relative performance against peers considered secondary [78][80]. - The importance of a comprehensive evaluation period that includes both favorable and unfavorable market conditions is emphasized, as it allows for a clearer assessment of investment capabilities [101][102].