Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the pitfalls of relying solely on Price-to-Earnings (PE) ratios for investment decisions, particularly in industry indices, and emphasizes the importance of combining PE with Price-to-Book (PB) ratios for more reliable investment timing and efficiency [5][6][29]. Group 1: PE Ratio Analysis - PE ratios can be misleading, especially in industry indices where profits are highly synchronized, leading to exaggerated fluctuations in PE during economic cycles [8][9]. - In broad indices, PE has more reference value due to smoother profit distributions, while in industry indices, profit volatility can distort the perceived value [8][9]. - The consumption electronics sector exemplifies the "profit decline, valuation distortion, profit recovery" cycle, illustrating how PE can mislead investors [10][23]. Group 2: Stages of PE Fluctuation - The first stage is the decline phase, where prices drop and PE decreases, creating an illusion of value, often leading to premature investments [13][15]. - The second stage is the bottoming phase, characterized by price stabilization and rising PE, which may deter investors despite being a potential entry point [19]. - The third stage is the reversal phase, where prices rise and PE stabilizes or decreases, indicating a "cheaper as it rises" scenario, as seen in the consumption electronics sector in 2024 [21][23]. Group 3: Importance of PB Ratio - PB ratio serves as a more stable indicator compared to PE, as it reflects the company's net asset value rather than fluctuating profits, making it a useful tool for assessing value during volatile periods [25][27]. - The combination of PE and PB ratios creates a "valuation temperature" that provides a more accurate assessment of an index's value, especially in cyclical industries [27]. - The methodology adjusts the weight of PE and PB based on the industry cycle, enhancing the reliability of the valuation approach [27]. Group 4: Conclusion - Investors should be cautious of relying solely on PE ratios, as they can create illusions of value during profit fluctuations. A multi-faceted approach using both PE and PB is recommended for a clearer understanding of true market value [29].