



Core Viewpoint - Several Chinese banks have announced a reduction in RMB deposit interest rates effective from May 21, 2025, indicating a trend towards lower interest rates in the banking sector [1][2]. Group 1: Interest Rate Adjustments - The seven joint-stock banks, including Ping An Bank, Industrial Bank, Minsheng Bank, CITIC Bank, Huaxia Bank, Guangfa Bank, and Pudong Development Bank, will lower the interest rate on demand deposits from 0.1% to 0.05%, a decrease of 5 basis points [1]. - The fixed deposit rates for 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year terms will be adjusted from 0.85%, 1.10%, and 1.30% to 0.70%, 0.95%, and 1.15%, respectively, each down by 15 basis points [1]. - For 3-year and 5-year fixed deposits, the rates will be reduced from 1.55% and 1.60% to 1.30% and 1.35%, representing a decrease of 25 basis points [1]. Group 2: Specific Bank Adjustments - Minsheng Bank will adjust its 2-year deposit rate from 1.30% to 1.15%, while the other six banks will lower their rates from 1.35% to 1.20%, a reduction of 15 basis points [2]. - Prior to this announcement, China Merchants Bank and Everbright Bank had already adjusted their deposit rates effective May 20, aligning their rates with the six major state-owned banks [2]. - After the adjustments, China Merchants Bank's fixed deposit rates for various terms will be set at 0.65%, 0.85%, 0.95%, 1.05%, 1.25%, and 1.30% for 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year deposits, respectively [2].