Core Viewpoint - The money market funds (MMFs), once considered a stable investment tool, are facing challenges due to declining returns, with many funds reporting annual returns below 1% [1][2] Group 1: Current Market Situation - As of December 23, 112 MMFs have annual returns below 1%, with some large-scale funds like Huatai-PB Cash Management Fund C and ICBC Ruyi Money Fund E reporting returns below 0.5% [1] - By December 22, 92 MMFs had a seven-day annualized yield below 1%, indicating a widespread decline in returns [1] - The largest MMF, Tianhong Yu'ebao, reported an annual return of 1.15% and a seven-day annualized yield of 1.032% as of December 22 [1] Group 2: Reasons for Declining Yields - The decline in MMF yields is attributed to three main factors: continued accommodative monetary policy, ample liquidity in the banking system leading to lower interbank deposit rates, and self-regulation of non-bank deposit rates [2] - The current 10-year government bond yield is at 1.83%, reflecting a dual decline in market interest rates and real economy rates, indicating effective market mechanisms [2] Group 3: Investment Strategy and Outlook - Investors are advised to reposition MMFs as tools for daily liquidity management rather than high-yield investment channels, focusing on reasonable fee structures and stable strategies [2] - Industry experts believe that as the market interest rate environment stabilizes, MMFs will continue to play a crucial role in cash management and will maintain their fundamental value in supporting inclusive finance and meeting daily liquidity needs [2]