Dongguan Securities·2025-07-25 09:37Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Overweight" (maintained), indicating an expectation that the industry index will outperform the market index by more than 10% over the next six months [5]. Core Viewpoints - The recent adjustment of the predetermined interest rate for life insurance products is a necessary response to the ongoing decline in market interest rates. The current research value for ordinary life insurance products is set at 1.99%, with traditional life insurance rates being lowered from 2.5% to 2.0% and guaranteed rates for participating insurance dropping from 2% to 1.75% [1][2]. - The downward adjustment of the predetermined interest rate is expected to have a short-term impact on new premium growth due to potential product discontinuations and reduced attractiveness of ordinary life insurance products. However, it will help alleviate the rigid cost pressure on liabilities in the long term by encouraging insurance companies to optimize product structures and increase the development of flexible yield products [3]. Summary by Sections Industry Overview - The adjustment of predetermined interest rates reflects the insurance industry's gradual adaptation to changes in market interest rates, with historical data showing a consistent decline in rates since 2019 [2]. - The establishment of a dynamic adjustment mechanism linking predetermined rates to market rates is aimed at ensuring the stability of the insurance industry amid declining interest rates [2]. Short-term and Long-term Impacts - In the short term, the adjustment may lead to a wave of product discontinuations and pressure on new premium growth due to decreased product attractiveness [3]. - In the long term, the adjustment is expected to promote the development of participating and universal insurance products, enhancing investment returns and addressing the challenges posed by reduced interest rate spreads [3]. Investment Strategy - The report suggests focusing on companies with stable operations such as China Pacific Insurance (601601), Ping An Insurance (601318), and New China Life Insurance (601336), which have greater asset flexibility [3].