Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-06 20:45Core Viewpoint - The long-term large-denomination certificates of deposit (CDs) are disappearing from banks, leading to a significant shift in savings habits among depositors as interest rates decline sharply [1][3][5]. Group 1: Product Supply - Major state-owned banks, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, and China Construction Bank, have stopped selling 5-year large-denomination CDs [3]. - Some banks have also ceased offering 3-year large-denomination CDs, with no clear timeline for their return [3]. - Local banks are following suit, with announcements of the cancellation of 5-year fixed-term deposits [3]. Group 2: Interest Rate Decline - The interest rates for large-denomination CDs have dropped to the "1" range, with 3-year CDs at 1.55% for major banks [5]. - In contrast, prior to 2020, 3-year and 5-year CDs had yields above 3%, with some smaller banks offering rates close to 4% [5]. - The traditional practice of higher interest rates for larger deposit amounts has been disrupted, as the rates for different deposit amounts are now the same [5]. Group 3: Banking Strategy - The collective withdrawal of long-term large-denomination CDs is a response to the ongoing pressure on banks' net interest margins, which fell to 1.42% by Q3 2025 [7]. - Banks aim to lower liability costs and stabilize net interest margins by reducing the supply of long-term deposits [7]. - The current low net interest margin environment compels banks to avoid high-cost long-term deposits to maintain profitability [7]. Group 4: Shift in Depositor Behavior - With the discontinuation of long-term large-denomination CDs, depositors are seeking alternative investment products, such as savings insurance, government bonds, or structured deposits [9]. - However, these alternatives come with their own limitations, such as lower liquidity for savings insurance and limited issuance for government bonds [9]. - A survey indicates an increase in residents inclined to invest more, rising by 5.6 percentage points to 18.5% [9]. Group 5: New Investment Preferences - Non-principal guaranteed bank wealth management products have become a preferred investment method among residents, with the market size reaching 32.13 trillion yuan, a 9.42% year-on-year increase [11]. - Financial advisors are recommending a diversified asset allocation strategy to improve returns and liquidity, moving away from excessive reliance on long-term deposits [11]. - Low-risk bank wealth management products are suggested as alternatives that may offer better returns than traditional deposits [11]. Group 6: Future Trends - The banking sector is expected to shift towards shorter-term products, emphasizing flexibility and a diverse range of financial products [13]. - Banks need to enhance their wealth management capabilities to maintain customer relationships and ensure stable returns [13]. - Depositors are encouraged to prioritize liquidity in their investments during a declining interest rate environment, allowing for better opportunities in the future [13].