Core Viewpoint - The annual index conference held by Huaxia Fund highlighted the evolution of index investment strategies among ordinary investors, showcasing personal experiences and practical paths to enhance investment returns [1][3]. Group 1: Evolution of Investment Strategies - The investment journey of a seasoned user, Ding Ying, spans over 20 years, transitioning from blind following to active management and diversified asset allocation [3][4]. - The evolution is categorized into three phases: 1. The naive profit phase (2006-2011) where investments were made through bank channels with significant returns [4]. 2. The learning exploration phase (2020-2024) marked by a shift to systematic investment but also experiencing a 40% loss due to blind dollar-cost averaging [4]. 3. The awakening phase (2024-present) focusing on active allocation and dynamic balance, leading to successful recovery and profit from previous losses [4]. Group 2: Core Investment Strategies - The investment philosophy emphasizes contrarian timing, advocating for buying undervalued assets and selling when popular assets become overcrowded [5][6]. - A strict risk control measure is implemented, limiting commodity assets to 5% of the total portfolio to maintain the ability to average down during downturns [6]. - The strategy includes dynamic balance management, prioritizing negatively correlated assets to reduce overall portfolio volatility [7]. Group 3: Lessons Learned - The experience underscores that dollar-cost averaging is not a foolproof strategy, especially in declining markets, necessitating trend analysis before investing [8]. - Awareness of market sentiment is crucial; when certain funds are heavily promoted, it may signal a market peak, prompting a reduction in exposure [9]. - The understanding of bond investments has evolved, recognizing that not all bonds are safe, particularly those with equity-like characteristics [10]. Group 4: Key Takeaways for Investors - Awareness is essential to combat emotional trading driven by greed and fear, with a recommendation to document reasons for each trade [11][12]. - Position sizing is critical, advising against using essential funds for investment and maintaining a conservative approach to risk [12]. - Continuous learning is vital for investment success, transitioning from mere participation to developing a comprehensive investment framework [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of balancing offensive and defensive assets in investment portfolios, particularly during uncertain market conditions. Defensive assets serve as a protective measure, helping to preserve capital and provide stability amidst market volatility [2][27]. Group 1: Understanding Defensive Assets - Defensive assets are categorized into risk assets, which are subject to significant price fluctuations, and safe-haven assets, which maintain their intrinsic value during market turmoil [4]. - The two primary functions of defensive assets are to reduce portfolio volatility and to provide high credit quality and liquidity, ensuring stable cash flow during market downturns [4]. Group 2: Types of Defensive Assets - **Cash and Cash Equivalents**: Highly liquid and safe, including money market funds that can be accessed at any time without fees [6][9]. - **Bond Assets**: Offer fixed income and typically have an inverse relationship with risk assets, with government bonds providing stronger defensive characteristics [10][11]. - **Dividend Assets**: Provide regular cash flow through dividends, performing well in bear markets and benefiting from valuation recovery in bull markets [12][13]. - **Gold**: Recognized as a safe-haven asset during crises, it retains value and is less affected by inflation compared to fiat currencies [14][15]. - **Commodities**: Serve as a hedge against inflation and supply disruptions, with stable demand across various sectors [16][17]. Group 3: Performance of Defensive Assets in Different Scenarios - **Economic Deflation**: Bond assets perform best due to liquidity and declining interest rates, while commodities lag [21][22]. - **Stagflation**: Commodities excel as inflation rises, while bonds struggle due to tightening monetary policy [23][24]. - **Geopolitical Conflicts**: Gold prices tend to rise significantly during prolonged conflicts, outperforming other asset classes [25][26]. Group 4: Conclusion - In the current complex investment landscape, incorporating defensive assets into portfolios is essential. A diversified approach across different types of defensive assets can enhance overall portfolio resilience [27].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of balancing offensive and defensive assets in investment portfolios, particularly during uncertain market conditions. Defensive assets serve as a "stabilizing force" to protect investors' wealth amidst market volatility [2][32]. Group 1: Understanding Defensive Assets - Defensive assets are categorized as those that maintain stable intrinsic value and exhibit lower price volatility during market fluctuations, contrasting with risk assets that are more sensitive to market changes [4]. - The two primary functions of defensive assets are to reduce portfolio volatility and provide high credit quality and liquidity, ensuring stable cash flow during market downturns [4]. Group 2: Types of Defensive Assets - **Cash and Cash Equivalents**: High safety and liquidity, including money market funds that can be accessed anytime without fees [6][8]. - **Bond Assets**: Fixed income with potential for interest and price appreciation, with government bonds offering more stability than corporate bonds [10][11]. - **Dividend Assets**: Provide regular cash flow through dividends, performing well in bear markets and benefiting from valuation recovery in bull markets [14][15]. - **Gold**: Recognized as a "safe haven" asset during crises, maintaining value better than fiat currencies [16][18]. - **Commodities**: Stable demand and serve as a hedge against inflation, with specific commodities like oil and metals being particularly relevant during supply disruptions [20][21]. Group 3: Performance of Defensive Assets in Different Scenarios - **Economic Deflation**: Bond assets perform best due to liquidity and declining interest rates, while commodities lag [24][26]. - **Stagflation**: Commodities excel as inflation rises, while bonds struggle due to tightening monetary policy [28]. - **Geopolitical Conflicts**: Gold prices tend to rise significantly during conflicts, reflecting its status as a hard currency [30][31]. Group 4: Conclusion - In the current complex investment landscape, incorporating defensive assets into portfolios is essential. Diversifying across different types of defensive assets can enhance overall portfolio resilience [32].