

Core Viewpoint - The People's Bank of China (PBOC) announced a 10 basis points reduction in the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) on May 20, marking the first interest rate cut of the year, which is expected to lower the overall financing costs for the real economy and stabilize the net interest margin of commercial banks [1][9][10]. Summary by Sections Interest Rate Changes - The LPR was reduced from 3.0% to 2.9% for first-time homebuyers, which translates to a total interest savings of approximately 38,600 yuan over a 30-year mortgage for a loan of 2 million yuan [1][3]. - Multiple banks, including China Construction Bank, China Merchants Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and Agricultural Bank of China, have announced reductions in deposit rates, with the most significant cuts being 15 basis points for various term deposits [5][6][7][8]. Impact on Financing Costs - The reduction in LPR and deposit rates is expected to further decrease the comprehensive financing costs for the real economy, thereby reinforcing the economic fundamentals [3][10]. - The PBOC's adjustment of the 7-day reverse repurchase rate from 1.50% to 1.40% is anticipated to influence various market rates, including the LPR and deposit rates, promoting consumption and investment [9][10]. Banking Sector Response - The banking sector is responding to the PBOC's policy changes, with state-owned banks typically leading the way in adjusting deposit rates, followed by joint-stock and smaller banks [10]. - The net interest margin of commercial banks has been under pressure, declining to 1.43% in the first quarter of this year, which is below the regulatory acceptable level of 1.80% [10].