

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights that large-denomination certificates of deposit (CDs) are not an ideal wealth management choice in the current economic environment, revealing four core contradictions that investors should be aware of [1]. Group 1: Interest Rate Trends - The downward trend in interest rates is irreversible, with large-denomination CD rates generally reduced by 20-50 basis points in 2023, and three-year products yielding below 3% [3]. - Investors locking in long-term CDs may miss out on potentially higher future returns, as some banks have introduced "segmented interest" clauses that significantly reduce interest upon early withdrawal [3]. Group 2: Liquidity Issues - Although large-denomination CDs can be transferred, secondary market trading often results in significant discounts, undermining the advertised liquidity [5]. - Certain banks have imposed restrictions on partial redemptions, limiting daily withdrawals to 5% of the principal, which can delay full liquidation for up to 20 working days [5]. Group 3: Hidden Costs and Inflation - The apparent 3% yield may not outpace inflation when considering opportunity costs, with alternative investments potentially offering higher returns [8]. - A survey indicated that 73% of investors were recommended additional products when purchasing large-denomination CDs, with 28% ultimately buying unnecessary financial products [8]. Group 4: Outdated Wealth Management Strategies - The reliance on traditional wealth management paths is seen as a risk, as the safety advantage of large-denomination CDs diminishes in the context of low-risk returns compared to GDP growth [9]. - Financial experts suggest a diversified asset allocation strategy, recommending that the proportion of funds allocated to deposits should not exceed 50% [9]. Group 5: Alternative Strategies - A "three-three" strategy is proposed for risk-averse investors, involving staggered investments in government bonds to maintain liquidity and smooth interest rate fluctuations [11]. - Cash management tools like money market funds offer better short-term returns while maintaining liquidity, with annualized yields typically between 2.2%-2.8% [11]. Group 6: Future Regulatory Changes - The implementation of the "Commercial Bank Liability Quality Management Measures" in June 2025 will further diminish the interest rate advantages of large-denomination CDs, as banks will be restricted from using high-interest rates to attract deposits [13]. Group 7: Long-term Risks - In a low-interest-rate environment, the real risk is not short-term volatility but the continuous depreciation of purchasing power, emphasizing the need for diversified asset allocation to achieve reasonable returns [14].