GOLDEN SUN SECURITIES·2025-05-25 06:18Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for the banking sector, suggesting that certain stocks may have alpha potential due to policy catalysts and a cyclical recovery [4]. Core Insights - Multiple banks have lowered their deposit rates, with the one-year and five-year Loan Prime Rate (LPR) reduced by 10 basis points on May 20, 2025. This trend reflects a broader market-driven decline in deposit costs [1][2]. - The average deposit cost rate for China Merchants Bank decreased significantly by 25 basis points to 1.29% in Q1 2025, indicating a trend of improving deposit costs across the sector [1]. - The report highlights that banks like Chongqing Bank, Minsheng Bank, and CITIC Bank have substantial room for further deposit cost reductions, suggesting a favorable environment for banks to optimize their funding costs [2]. Summary by Sections Section 1: Focus of the Week - Several banks have adjusted their deposit rates downward, with over half of listed banks participating in this trend by May 24, 2025 [1]. - The report notes that the average deposit cost rate for China Merchants Bank has shown improvement since Q2 2024, aligning with previous forecasts of enhanced cost reduction in liabilities [1]. Section 2: Sector Perspective - The banking sector is expected to benefit from expansionary policies aimed at stabilizing the economy, with specific banks like Ningbo Bank, Postal Savings Bank, and China Merchants Bank highlighted as potential investment opportunities [4]. - The report emphasizes that the cyclical recovery may take time, but the ongoing interest rate cuts could sustain the dividend strategy for banks like Shanghai Bank and Jiangsu Bank [4]. Section 3: Key Data Tracking - The report tracks various financial metrics, including the issuance of interbank certificates and the average rates for different types of bank notes, indicating a dynamic market environment [9][8]. - It also notes the increase in the proportion of deposits with a remaining maturity of less than one year, which rose by 3 percentage points to 37.4% by the end of 2024, suggesting a trend towards concentrated deposit maturities [2][16].