现在，轮到银行急疯了

Core Viewpoint - Recent restrictions by banks on early repayment of housing loans indicate a shift in their lending strategies, aimed at managing profitability amidst declining net interest margins and increased early repayment requests [1][5][10]. Group 1: Banking Pressure - Banks are facing a dual pressure of reduced lending opportunities and increased deposits, leading to a shrinking net interest margin, which is currently at 1.52%, below the warning line of 1.8% [5][10]. - In February, the People's Bank of China reported a decrease of 115 billion yuan in long-term loans, indicating a trend of borrowers opting for early repayments [6][10]. - The total balance of personal housing loans was 37.68 trillion yuan at the end of last year, down 1.3% year-on-year, reflecting a growing number of borrowers repaying loans early [6][10]. Group 2: Changes in Loan Terms - Banks have implemented restrictions on the number of early repayment requests and the amount that can be repaid at once, with some banks limiting online repayments to two times a year and a maximum of 200,000 yuan per transaction [1][10]. - The average interest rate for existing housing loans has dropped from 4%-5% in 2023 to 3.3% in 2024, further squeezing bank profits [10]. - The increase in early repayments is causing banks to lose significant future interest income, with one insider noting that every 1 million yuan repaid early results in a loss of interest income for several years [10]. Group 3: Deposit Trends - There has been a significant increase in household deposits, with new deposits reaching 14.26 trillion yuan in 2024, and 6.2 trillion yuan in just the first two months of this year [10]. - The total balance of household deposits has surpassed 157 trillion yuan, with per capita deposits exceeding 110,000 yuan, indicating a shift in consumer behavior towards saving rather than borrowing [10]. Group 4: Strategies for Borrowers - Borrowers are advised to understand their loan agreements, as restrictions on early repayment may vary by bank and region [16]. - Exploring offline repayment options may provide more flexibility, as these channels are less restricted compared to online methods [18]. - A rational decision-making process is recommended for borrowers considering early repayment, comparing the interest rates of their loans with potential investment returns [19][21].