Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-06-05 12:13Core Viewpoint - The interest rates for large certificates of deposit (CDs) have significantly decreased, entering the "1.x" era, prompting banks to adjust their offerings and investors to reconsider their asset allocation strategies [1][2][5] Interest Rate Adjustments - Major state-owned banks have lowered their rates for 1-year and 2-year large CDs to 1.2%, with 3-year rates at 1.55%, while some banks have even suspended longer-term products [1][2] - The average interest rate for 3-year large CDs across major banks has dropped to a range of 1.55% to 1.75%, down approximately 80 basis points compared to the same period in 2024 [2][5] - Smaller banks have also reduced rates, with some 3-year CDs dropping from 2.6% to 2.4%, reflecting a broader trend of declining interest rates [2][4] Competitive Landscape - The interest rate advantage of large CDs over traditional fixed deposits has narrowed, with rates for similar terms only slightly higher or even equal [3][4] - Money market funds are becoming increasingly attractive, with yields approaching those of large CDs, while having a much lower investment threshold [3][4] Impact on Bank Profitability - The decline in large CD rates is a response to the pressure on banks' net interest margins, which have been affected by lower loan pricing and high-cost deposits [5][6] - As of the first quarter of 2025, the net interest margin for commercial banks fell to 1.43%, a decrease of 9 basis points from the previous quarter [5][6] Strategic Adjustments - Banks are actively managing their liabilities by reducing the issuance of long-term large CDs to alleviate pressure on their interest margins [6] - This strategy not only aims to enhance banks' interest income but also creates room for further reductions in loan rates, fostering a positive cycle for the real economy [6]