Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant market differentiation observed in 2023, highlighting the contrasting performances of the food and beverage sector, which has seen a decline of 0.87%, versus the technology sector, which has experienced gains exceeding 40% in indices like the Shenwan Communications and Shenwan Electronics [5][6]. Group 1: Thematic Investing - The concept of "thematic investing" involves selecting a specific investment theme and identifying companies that support this theme, ultimately constructing an investment portfolio around these companies [8]. - While many investors believe that choosing the right theme guarantees profits, the reality is that missteps can lead to substantial losses, as evidenced by the contrasting fortunes of "old" and "new" asset classes in previous market cycles [9][10]. - Historical data shows that many investors in thematic funds have not recouped their investments, particularly those who entered at market peaks [10]. Group 2: Conditions for Successful Thematic Investment - To profit from thematic funds, three conditions must be met: identifying long-term winning themes, selecting funds that can capitalize on these themes, and entering the market at undervalued times [19][24]. - A reliable investment theme should be supported by solid logic, such as industry policy support or technological breakthroughs, rather than mere speculation [20]. - The timing of investment is crucial; entering a popular theme after it has already gained traction can lead to missed opportunities and potential losses [25]. Group 3: Role of Thematic Funds in Portfolios - For most ordinary investors, thematic funds are not essential for achieving steady profits, as they do not significantly diversify risk compared to other asset classes [27]. - The correlation between thematic funds and major market indices has remained high, suggesting that adding thematic funds to a portfolio with index funds may not provide substantial risk diversification [28]. - Thematic funds are better suited as "satellite holdings" rather than "core allocations" within an investment portfolio, and their proportion should be strictly controlled to mitigate potential losses during market fluctuations [30][33].