存款降息“遇冷” 理财火热“吃饱”

Core Viewpoint - The recent trend of lowering deposit interest rates by small and medium-sized banks in China is prompting depositors to reconsider their investment strategies, leading to a surge in bank wealth management products as an alternative to traditional savings accounts [1][2][3]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Following the major state-owned and joint-stock banks, small and medium-sized banks in regions such as Hunan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Henan have also reduced deposit interest rates since late May [1][2]. - Many city commercial banks have set their fixed deposit rates below 1.5%, with some even dropping to 1% or lower, which contrasts sharply with the approximately 2% expected returns from wealth management products [1][2]. - For instance, Nanjing Bank has adjusted its fixed deposit rates to 0.7%, 0.95%, 1.15%, 1.25%, 1.35%, and 1.35% for different terms, while Beijing Bank has similar reductions [2]. Group 2: Shift to Wealth Management Products - As deposit rates decline, banks are intensifying their marketing efforts for wealth management products, which are becoming increasingly attractive to depositors seeking better returns [4][5]. - The rapid growth of bank wealth management products is evident, with the total scale reaching 31.24 trillion yuan by June 3, an increase of 144 billion yuan since the end of April [6]. - Wealth management products, particularly short-term fixed-income products, are now viewed as viable alternatives to traditional savings accounts, especially for interest-sensitive customers [4][7]. Group 3: Fee Reductions and Promotions - In response to the competitive landscape, several wealth management companies have announced fee reductions for their products, with some fees dropping to as low as 0.01% [5]. - For example, Zhongyin Wealth Management has reduced management fees for over 20 products since May 20, while Agricultural Bank Wealth Management has also lowered fees for various open-ended products [5]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Growth Drivers - The influx of deposits into wealth management products is driven by factors such as the migration of funds from traditional savings accounts and aggressive marketing strategies by banks [6]. - Current average yields for newly issued wealth management products exceed 2.50%, with some reaching around 3%, making them more appealing compared to declining deposit rates [6][7].