In recent discussions surrounding the investment management market, a complex landscape has emerged that merits close examination. On one hand, the fluctuations in the scales of bank wealth management products have been noticeable, influenced by interrelated factors such as the delicate balance between stock and bond performances, alongside the seasonal volatility of deposits. On the other hand, there has been a significant occurrence of "discounted" financial products, with numerous companies in the investment management sector revising down their fee rates. Alarmingly, some fee rates have reached as low as zero.

Understanding the fluctuations in wealth management products requires a dual lens—one that acknowledges both the immediate logic behind these changes and the pressing need to conduct longer-term strategic thinking. The immediate reasoning reveals itself quite clearly: in light of the volatility impacting performance, wealth management firms are compelled to downsize certain products, while simultaneously devising discounts to both retain existing clients and attract new ones to the fold. Nevertheless, we must recognize that reducing fees is merely a band-aid solution. To secure a prosperous future in wealth management, there must be a deeper commitment to long-range strategies that facilitate mutual success between firms and their investors.

For this mutual benefit to become a reality, a wealth management product must establish itself with demonstrable capabilities. When investors decide to purchase these products, they are essentially entrusting their funds to these firms with the expectation of better management than they could achieve independently. Investors naturally believe that the fund managers employed by these companies possess greater expertise and can achieve superior expected returns while effectively managing risks associated with market volatility. However, if a firm falls short in its investment proficiency or fails to meet the needs of its clients, there will inevitably be consequences—investors may choose to seek better alternatives or exit the market entirely.

Currently, the wealth management offerings within China reveal gaps that must be addressed. In recent years, as investors' appetite for risk wanes, their focus has pivoted towards products that may not yield the highest returns but instead promise comparatively lower risk levels. Fixed-income products have become quite favorable in this context. Yet, for financial markets and institutions, the challenge lies in the generation of standardized tools that can underpin a broader array of fixed-income products. Furthermore, there seems to be a notable dissonance between the increasing scale of wealth management products and the actual enhancement of institutional capabilities. Some offerings display clear signs of cash preference, a short-term focus, and a lack of diversity, amplifying the cyclical volatility issue.

So, how can these complications be resolved? Wealth management firms must continuously invest in capacity building to advance their investment research capabilities, which stands as a pivotal element for successfully navigating the increasingly competitive landscape of wealth management. At the core of investment management lies assets; thus, the essence is in the management of asset allocation, a philosophy that should resonate throughout every operational aspect of their business. Since banks have moved beyond rigid repayment structures and embraced net value transformations, the dynamics of the wealth management market have been profoundly altered. Firms now compete based on their capabilities in investment research and asset allocation—two critical abilities that directly impact their competitive stature and profitability in the market.

From a practical standpoint, these firms must manage investment portfolios across macro, meso, and micro dimensions. At the macro level, wealth management firms need to stay attuned to global economic dynamics, national macroeconomic policies, and trends within various industries. For instance, when the macroeconomic environment is expanding, it is prudent to increase the allocation to stocks and equity assets, as company profits typically rise in robust economic conditions, leading to an advantageous stock market environment. Conversely, in scenarios where the macroeconomic outlook reveals downward pressures, it becomes crucial to enhance the portion of fixed-income assets within portfolios to mitigate investment risks. Through precise assessments of macroeconomic trends, wealth management firms can timely adjust their asset allocation strategies to secure stable returns for their investors.

At the meso level, an in-depth examination of the developmental trajectories and competitive landscapes of different industries is imperative. Various sectors react differently to economic cycles; some, like consumer goods and healthcare, are known for their resilience, whereas others, such as steel and coal, tend to be more sensitive to economic fluctuations. Therefore, firms need to curate investments in industries exhibiting favorable characteristics and growth trends. For example, as public awareness regarding health has grown alongside rising living standards, investments in the healthcare sector show substantial promise; wealth management entities should consider amplifying their exposure to companies within this arena. Moreover, it’s important to assess competitive advantages and market shares within industries to ensure that selected investments yield optimal returns.

It is crucial, however, to clarify that letting capabilities dictate operations does not translate into an uncontrolled pursuit of high yields or reckless risk appetites. Instead, it involves fine-tuning to achieve an alignment between asset yields and liability costs, boosting liquidity management, enhancing the resilience of investment structures, and preparing for potential market shocks. Emphasizing the refinement of various mid- to long-term funding policies can encourage banks and trust funds to actively engage with capital markets. This shift is essential to unlocking higher capital investments and expanding equity investment scales. By fostering these elements, we open significant pathways for the long-term growth prospects of the wealth management market. Wealth management firms can further advance their equity investment capabilities, relentlessly innovate their products and services, tapping into a wider reservoir of long-term assets and patient capital, all while providing full lifecycle service to the real economy and ultimately creating value for investors.