Guo Ji Jin Rong Bao·2026-01-14 16:52Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in gold prices has led to increased interest in structured deposits linked to gold, with various banks offering competitive products that appeal to conservative investors seeking stable returns [1][4]. Group 1: Structured Deposits Overview - Structured deposits are floating-rate deposits that are protected by deposit insurance, where the interest earned is invested in financial derivatives like gold, indices, or stocks to pursue higher returns [2]. - For example, China Merchants Bank has launched gold-linked structured deposits with investment terms ranging from 7 to 181 days, offering annualized rates up to 1.78% [2]. - Historical performance indicates that most structured deposits yield mid-range returns, with an 80% probability of achieving such outcomes [2]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Banks are increasingly offering gold-linked structured deposits to attract risk-averse investors amid market volatility and declining interest rates [4]. - These products help banks capture attention during periods of high gold price fluctuations, enhancing retail asset management and mitigating net interest margin pressures [4]. - The demand for stable investment options has surged, particularly as traditional fixed-term deposit rates have fallen to around 1.30% for longer terms and even lower for shorter durations [4]. Group 3: Investor Considerations - Despite the promise of capital protection, structured deposits are still investment products with inherent risks, including uncertain returns and liquidity constraints [5]. - Investors are advised to undergo risk assessments before purchasing these products and to be cautious of the advertised maximum returns [5]. - It is essential for investors to understand the complex terms and conditions associated with these products, including the potential for locked funds during the investment period [5].