Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current state of long-term pure bond funds, highlighting their underperformance in 2025 due to low interest rates and the shift towards "fixed income plus" products that combine bonds with equities for better returns [10][12][35]. Summary by Sections Types of Bond Funds - Common types of bond funds include short-term pure bond funds, long-term pure bond funds, and "fixed income plus" funds [1][4][6]. - Short-term pure bond funds have minimal volatility, typically with a drawdown of less than 1% [1]. - Long-term pure bond funds, such as 7-10 year government bonds, exhibit greater volatility, potentially comparable to low-volatility stock funds [2][3]. - "Fixed income plus" funds combine bonds with a small portion of equities or convertible bonds, aiming for higher returns [4][5]. Performance Trends - In 2021, long-term pure bond funds had interest yields of over 3%-4%, but entered a declining interest rate cycle thereafter [7][8]. - A bull market for long-term pure bond funds lasted from 2021 to 2024, but by 2025, these funds faced significant declines due to low yields [9][10][12]. - As of late 2024, the yield on 10-year government bonds was around 1.6%-1.7%, making long-term pure bonds less attractive [12]. Factors Influencing Bond Fund Performance - Interest rate fluctuations are a primary factor affecting bond fund performance, with declining rates typically leading to rising bond prices [15][16]. - The long-term trajectory of interest rates is influenced by economic growth rates and inflation [20][21]. - In 2025, the performance of long-term pure bond funds was negatively impacted by rising interest rates and a strong stock market [13][20]. Shift to "Fixed Income Plus" Products - Due to low yields on traditional bond funds, investors are increasingly turning to "fixed income plus" products, which offer a mix of stable bond returns and higher-risk equities [35][36]. - "Fixed income plus" funds typically consist of a defensive bond component and a more aggressive equity component, aiming to enhance overall returns [36][37]. - The performance of "fixed income plus" products has been strong, with indices for these funds reaching new highs in 2025, contrasting with the decline in pure bond fund indices [38][39]. Characteristics of "Fixed Income Plus" Products - These products leverage the negative correlation between stocks and bonds, allowing for reduced volatility and improved long-term returns [39][40]. - The risk profile of "fixed income plus" products is significantly influenced by the proportion of equities they hold [43][44]. - They benefit from declining deposit rates, as traditional savings accounts offer lower returns, prompting investors to seek better alternatives [46][48]. Investment Considerations - Investors should assess the equity proportion in "fixed income plus" products based on their risk tolerance [51]. - The bond component should focus on mid to short-term bonds, which currently offer more stability [51]. - Selecting funds with automatic rebalancing strategies can help mitigate risks associated with market volatility [51][60]. Examples of "Fixed Income Plus" Products - The 365-day and monthly salary investment combinations are highlighted as effective "fixed income plus" options, with varying equity and bond ratios [52][55]. - These products have shown resilience and recovery in performance, with the 365-day combination achieving historical highs since its inception [55][58].