“超车式”降息蔓延：中小行放弃高息揽储，为贷款降价腾挪空间

Core Viewpoint - The recent trend shows that some small and medium-sized banks have lowered their deposit rates below those of large state-owned banks, marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the banking sector [1][2][4]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Changes - Following the initiation of a new round of deposit rate cuts by large state-owned banks, small and medium-sized banks have quickly followed suit, with some even abandoning their traditional strategy of attracting deposits through high interest rates [1][2]. - In regions like Guangdong and Sichuan, small banks have initiated a wave of deposit rate cuts, with some three-year fixed deposit rates dropping to 1.2%, which is 5 basis points lower than the rates offered by large banks [1]. - As of June 1, certain small banks, such as Beijing Huairou Rongxing Village Bank, have reduced their three-year and five-year deposit rates to 1.20%, which is below the rates of major commercial banks [2][3]. Group 2: Strategic Shift in Banking Operations - The reduction in deposit rates reflects a strategic shift among small and medium-sized banks from focusing on growth through deposit accumulation to optimizing their cost structures amid narrowing interest margins [1][4]. - Many small banks are now prioritizing the management of existing funds over aggressive deposit acquisition, indicating a significant change in operational focus [5][6]. - The net interest margin for commercial banks has been under pressure, with the overall net interest margin reported at 1.43% for Q1 2025, a decrease of 9 basis points from the previous quarter [6]. Group 3: Market Implications - The rapid decline in deposit rates among small banks may accelerate the trend of deposit migration, as the attractiveness of these banks diminishes [7][8]. - The reduction in deposit rates is expected to lead to increased flows into non-bank financial products, which could enhance the influence of the bond market [8]. - The current environment may also push broader interest rates, including government bond rates, further downward due to reduced deposit attractiveness [8].