Xin Jing Bao·2026-01-13 07:08Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a trend of declining deposit interest rates among banks in China, particularly as the new year begins, with many banks entering a "1 era" for their rates, indicating a significant drop in returns for savers [1][2][3]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Changes - Anhui Xin'an Bank has lowered its 2-year fixed deposit rate by 10 basis points to 2.25% starting January 16 [1]. - Several local banks, including Suzhou Commercial Bank and Puyang Zhongyuan Village Bank, have also reduced their deposit rates, with some products now offering rates as low as 1.9% for 3-year deposits [2]. - Major state-owned banks like ICBC and CCB are offering 1-year fixed deposit rates at 1.1%, while some joint-stock banks have slightly higher rates, with CITIC Bank and GF Bank offering 1.3% for 1-year deposits [3]. Group 2: Impact on Large Certificates of Deposit - The attractiveness of large certificates of deposit (CDs) has diminished, with 3-year CDs nearly extinct and 1-year CDs offering rates only marginally higher than regular fixed deposits [4][5]. - Many banks are now issuing new large CDs with rates in the "1 era," and some short-term large CDs have even dropped below 1% [5]. Group 3: Upcoming Expiration of Deposits - A significant volume of fixed deposits is set to mature in 2026, with estimates suggesting around 75 trillion yuan will be due, marking a 12% increase from 2025 [6]. - The first quarter of this year is critical as approximately 29 trillion yuan of 1-year and longer deposits will mature, representing a 4 trillion yuan increase compared to the same period in 2025 [6]. Group 4: "Deposit Migration" Trends - The trend of "deposit migration" is expected to continue, with funds potentially moving from large banks to smaller ones and then into various asset management products [7]. - Analysts suggest that while the current low-interest environment is prompting asset reallocation, the overall risk appetite among residents remains cautious, with consumption and debt repayment being primary uses for maturing deposits [7].