Core Insights - The article defines bond funds as investment funds that primarily invest in tradable government bonds, local government financial bonds, and corporate bonds [2] - The development history of bond funds includes the establishment of the first bond fund in the United States, Keystone Custodian Fund, in 1935, and the launch of China's first bond fund, Southern Baoyuan Bond A, in 2002 [2] - Bond funds can be classified into pure bond funds, hybrid bond funds, and convertible bond funds based on their ability to invest in the stock market, and into government bond funds, municipal bond funds, and corporate bond funds based on the types of bonds they invest in [2] - The main characteristics of bond funds include a focus on bonds as investment targets, with over 80% of fund assets invested in bonds, offering relatively stable returns with lower risk compared to equity funds, but also lower expected returns [2] - Risks associated with bond funds include interest rate risk, credit risk, early redemption risk, and inflation risk, with rising market interest rates potentially leading to a decline in bond prices and a decrease in fund net value [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the allure and hidden risks of large-denomination certificates of deposit (CDs) in China, highlighting the significant growth in their balance and the potential pitfalls for investors [3][5]. Summary by Sections Liquidity Risk - Large-denomination CDs have a liquidity risk that many investors overlook, with high penalties for early withdrawal. For instance, early withdrawal can reduce a 3.85% annual yield to as low as 0.3% [3][5]. In 2024, 32% of large-denomination CDs were withdrawn early due to cash flow issues, resulting in an average loss of 8,500 yuan per investor [3]. Interest Rate Risk - High interest rates on large-denomination CDs often reflect banks' pressure to attract deposits. A report indicated that a city commercial bank offered an average rate of 4.2%, while its non-performing loan rate rose to 1.78%, indicating potential risks in fulfilling high-interest commitments [5][9]. Inflation Risk - Inflation significantly impacts the real returns on large-denomination CDs. With the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising from 2.8% in 2024 to 3.2% in early 2025, the actual yield on three-year CDs, which range from 3.6% to 4.0%, is only 0.6% to 1.0% after accounting for inflation [5][6]. Asset Allocation Risk - Concentrating funds in large-denomination CDs contradicts basic asset allocation principles. The annualized return of the A-share market index was 12.7%, significantly higher than the returns from large-denomination CDs, which suggests a lack of portfolio flexibility [6][14]. Credit Risk - Large-denomination CDs carry credit risk, as the deposit insurance system only covers up to 500,000 yuan per depositor per bank. In 2024, 28% of investors in a failing local bank had funds exceeding this limit, facing potential losses [9][10]. Interest Rate Change Risk - The fixed income nature of large-denomination CDs limits investors' ability to benefit from rising interest rates. Data shows that investors who purchased three-year CDs in 2024 lost approximately 0.8% in potential returns by 2025 due to rate increases [10][12]. Diversified Investment Strategy - A diversified investment strategy is recommended, with emergency funds in liquid accounts, mid-term funds in bond funds, and long-term investments in equities. A survey indicated that a balanced asset allocation model achieved an annual return of 8.2% with reasonable risk levels [14][15]. Conclusion - The article concludes that while large-denomination CDs may seem attractive, their associated risks necessitate a careful evaluation of personal financial goals and risk tolerance, advocating for rational investment and risk diversification [15].