Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of setting a reasonable and scientific performance benchmark for public funds, particularly in the context of the growing scale of the CSI 300 index. It discusses how active equity funds can consistently outperform benchmarks by managing style and industry deviations effectively [1][17]. Group 1: Benchmark and Performance - The CSI 300 index serves as the primary benchmark, composed of various style factors. Active fund managers primarily focus on quality, prosperity, and momentum factors, while dividend and low valuation factors can lead to underperformance when they are strong [1][17]. - The difficulty of beating benchmarks is a common challenge for asset management institutions globally, with only about 50% of active equity funds in A-shares outperforming their benchmarks over the past 20 years [17][18]. Group 2: Style and Industry Deviation - Controlling style deviation is more critical than controlling industry deviation for fund managers aiming to outperform benchmarks. Excessive deviation can significantly impact performance negatively [3][22]. - Successful fund managers tend to exhibit smaller deviations in style and industry, maintaining a balanced approach regardless of market conditions [5][24]. Group 3: Stock Selection and Market Timing - Stock selection is more impactful on performance than industry selection, with a focus on identifying high-potential stocks rather than frequently rotating industries [26]. - Market timing is debated among fund managers, with evidence suggesting that while many lack timing ability, strategic timing can enhance returns during volatile periods [12][34]. Group 4: Risk Management and Strategy - A U-shaped risk convexity strategy is proposed to enhance the risk-return profile of portfolios, emphasizing the importance of managing volatility in equity assets [27][28]. - The relationship between volatility and returns is highlighted, with low volatility stocks often yielding better returns in the A-share market, contrary to the general belief that higher volatility equates to higher returns [9][29]. Group 5: Future Considerations - The article suggests that in the absence of clear industry trends, public funds must balance their strategies to achieve stable excess returns by leveraging combination management approaches [20][21].

Core Viewpoint - The China Securities Regulatory Commission's recent action plan aims to shift the public fund industry from a focus on scale to a focus on returns, impacting the active equity investment ecosystem and requiring fund managers to adapt their strategies [1] Group 1: Impact of the Action Plan - The action plan strengthens the constraints of performance benchmarks, leading to a shift away from strategies that heavily deviate from benchmarks towards a more balanced allocation across sectors and styles [2] - Fund managers will need to enhance their stock selection capabilities, as the focus will shift towards matching portfolios with benchmarks, allowing for clearer demonstration of their ability to generate excess returns [2][3] - The plan presents significant opportunities for Fund of Funds (FOF) and fund advisory businesses, enabling active equity fund managers to concentrate on in-depth stock research while advisory firms can leverage their expertise in asset allocation [2] Group 2: Stock Selection as a Key Competence - The ability to generate long-term excess returns is crucial for fund managers, with stock selection being the most stable and sustainable core competency, aligning with the plan's emphasis on investor interests and long-term value [3] - Historical trends indicate that even in high-growth sectors, only companies with core technological advantages and strong management can provide sustainable returns, highlighting the risks of short-term strategies focused on single sectors [3] Group 3: Finding Investment Opportunities - Fund managers should enhance their tracking of individual stock fundamentals, ensuring effective pricing and proactive investment when positive changes occur in quality growth stocks [4] Group 4: The Irreplaceability of Active Management - Despite discussions on the potential replacement of active equity funds by index-enhanced or quantitative funds, active management is expected to maintain a vital role in the asset management industry due to its advantages in tracking short-term economic changes and conducting in-depth research [5] - The core competencies of active management will focus on high-frequency tracking of corporate dynamics and deep valuation assessments, distinguishing it from quantitative strategies and ensuring continued excess returns for investors [5]