Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-05-21 12:45Core Viewpoint - The intention of banks to guide depositors towards "short-term" deposits remains clear, as they respond to the pressure of narrowing net interest margins through refined pricing strategies to reshape the deposit market landscape [1][7][9]. Summary by Sections Deposit Rate Trends - Several banks previously exhibited extreme inversion in deposit rates, where shorter-term deposits offered higher rates than longer-term ones. However, this phenomenon has diminished with the recent wave of deposit rate cuts [2][6]. - As of May 21, 2023, major banks like China Merchants Bank have aligned their one-year and five-year deposit rates at 1.30%, eliminating the extreme inversion [2][9]. - Despite the disappearance of extreme inversions in some banks, certain smaller banks still exhibit varying degrees of rate inversion, particularly in their short- to medium-term deposits [5][6]. Market Response and Future Expectations - Analysts suggest that the trend of "large banks leading, smaller banks following" in deposit rate cuts will continue, potentially leading to a gradual disappearance of existing rate inversions in smaller banks [6][7]. - The recent deposit rate cuts are expected to positively impact banks' net interest margins, as the reduction in deposit costs may exceed the decline in asset yields for the first time historically [11]. Current Deposit Rates - As of May 21, 2023, the deposit rates for major banks are as follows: - Industrial and Commercial Bank of China: 1-year at 0.95%, 5-year at 1.30% - China Merchants Bank: 1-year at 0.95%, 5-year at 1.30% - Other banks like CITIC Bank and Minsheng Bank have similar rates for various terms [8][9]. Implications for Banking Sector - The banking sector is facing significant pressure on net interest margins, with the first quarter of 2023 showing a decline in net interest margin to 1.43%, a historically low level [9]. - The ongoing trend of financial disintermediation is leading to a "liability shortage" for banks, compelling them to attract deposits through higher rates in interbank markets, which could counteract the benefits of lower deposit costs [11].