万能险结算利率持续下行，超六成产品低于3%

Group 1 - The overall settlement rates for universal insurance products are on a downward trend, with the highest rate at 3.5% and the lowest at 0.36% as of August, with 34.53% of products offering rates above 3% [1][3] - In July, 41.83% of universal insurance products had settlement rates above 3%, indicating a decline in higher-yielding options compared to earlier in the year when over 50% of products had rates above 3% [3] - Universal insurance products were previously viewed as alternatives to high-interest deposits, with rates exceeding 4% or even 5%, but the recent decline in rates has reduced their attractiveness to consumers [3] Group 2 - The decline in settlement rates is a necessary response by the insurance industry to the challenges posed by a low-interest-rate environment, although these products still offer better returns compared to current bank deposits [3] - Consumers are advised to exercise caution when selecting universal insurance products, as many are sold in combination with other insurance types, necessitating a match with individual needs [3] - Insurance companies are required to optimize asset allocation and enhance duration management to stabilize investment returns, which supports the reasonableness of settlement rates [3]