


Core Viewpoint - The recent reduction in deposit rates by nine joint-stock banks follows the earlier actions of the six major state-owned banks, indicating a broader trend in the banking sector to lower interest rates in response to the People's Bank of China's (PBOC) adjustments to the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) [1][3][6] Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - On May 21, seven joint-stock banks announced a reduction in their deposit rates, with a decrease of 15 basis points for 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year fixed deposits, and a reduction of 25 basis points for 3-year and 5-year fixed deposits [1][2] - Specific rates for China Merchants Bank were adjusted to 0.95% for 1-year, 1.05% for 2-year, 1.25% for 3-year, and 1.30% for 5-year deposits, while other banks set their rates at 1.15%, 1.20%, 1.30%, and 1.35% respectively for similar terms [1][2] Group 2: LPR and Monetary Policy - The PBOC announced a decrease in the LPR, with the 1-year LPR at 3% and the 5-year LPR at 3.5%, both down by 10 basis points [3] - Analysts suggest that the PBOC is establishing a transmission mechanism from policy rates to LPR and deposit rates, indicating a coordinated approach to monetary policy [3][4] Group 3: Market Implications - The reduction in deposit rates is expected to enhance the attractiveness of bond assets by lowering the yield advantage of loan assets, thereby improving the configuration value of bonds [3][4] - The larger reduction in deposit rates compared to LPR is seen as a measure to protect bank interest margins while encouraging credit growth [6]